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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #20410
47 days ago
84

black spots in skin - #20410

Parthiv

I am seriously freaking out here. A couple of weeks ago, I noticed these black spots in my skin, like tiny little freckles but darker and just… weirder? At first, I thought nothing of it, but now there’s more, and they’re on my arms and a few on my legs. Like, what does this even mean? I can’t remember if I’ve been in the sun more than usual lately, but I definitely didn’t have them before. I did see my friend who went to the beach last month and she had some black spots in her skin too but her doc said it was nothing serious, just age spots or something. I’m 35, tho, I didn’t think I’d be getting those yet! I’m also freaking out thinking it could be something worse, like skin cancer or something? I researched a bit, and I am just getting more anxious. Are black spots in skin always a sign of something bad, or can they be harmless? Should I leave this for my next check-up or is it urgent? What kind of tests should I even ask for? Has anyone else had black spots in skin that turned out to be nothing, or should I def get this looked at ASAP?

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Doctors' responses

Discovering new black spots on your skin can understandably be concerning, especially when you notice an increase in their number. It’s important to note that not all skin blemishes or spots are a cause for panic. In many cases, these could be benign conditions like seborrheic keratoses, which are non-cancerous growths common in adults as they age, or lentigines—often referred to as age spots or sunspots. They are usually harmless and related to sun exposure. However, considering your age and the fact that these spots are new, it’s definitely a wise move to get them evaluated by a dermatologist to rule out any serious conditions, such as melanoma or other forms of skin cancer.

Until you can see a specialist, it’s helpful to keep an eye on the spots using the ABCDE rule—Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6 mm, and Evolution over time. If you notice any of these alarming changes, especially rapid increase in size or color changes, then consulting a dermatologist should take priority. For an in-person evaluation, your dermatologist might use a dermatoscope to get a closer look at the spots, or they may recommend a biopsy to rule out cancerous changes. This will provide a definitive diagnosis.

For now, try not to focus too much on the research that elevates your anxiety, but do make an appointment sooner rather than later to get peace of mind. In the meantime, protect your skin from excessive sun exposure by using sunscreen regularly and covering up exposed areas with clothing when outdoors. This proactive step can help prevent further dark spots from developing and protect your skin’s health overall.

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