What does a dark spot on your skin mean?

Dark spots on the skin, or hyperpigmentation, occur when some areas of the skin produce more melanin than usual. Melanin gives the eyes, skin, and hair their color. Dark spots on the skin are not a cause for concern and do not need treatment, though people may choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons.

When should I be worried about dark spots on my skin?

Keep an eye on spots that look different to others on your body, spots that have changed in size, shape, colour or texture, and sores that itch, bleed, or don't heal. If you notice any of these signs, see your doctor and seek their expert opinion.

What causes random dark spots on skin?

Age spots are caused by overactive pigment cells. Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin that has had years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations.

Can a dark spot be skin cancer?

Of all skin cancer-related deaths, 79% are from melanoma. In this disease, cancer develops in cells (melanocytes) that produce skin pigmentation. A black or brown spot appears, typically, on the torso of males and lower legs of females. It may also form on the palm of the hands, soles of the feet and under the nails.

What medical conditions cause dark spots?

Hyperpigmentation is when the skin becomes highly pigmented and appears darker than usual. This results in dark spots. Acne, eczema, wound healing, and sun exposure can all cause hyperpigmentation. A form of hyperpigmentation called melasma typically occurs with hormonal changes.

What Causes Dark Spots On Skin?

Can liver damage cause dark spots on skin?

Liver spots are flat, brown or black spots that can appear on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun. They have nothing to do with the liver or liver function.

Can stress give you dark spots?

Chronic, long-term stress can manifest on the skin as hyperpigmentation. A hormone called Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, often in response to biological stress. This hormone triggers melanogenesis, the process of skin pigment production.

What does Stage 1 skin cancer look like?

At first, cancer cells appear as flat patches in the skin, often with a rough, scaly, reddish, or brown surface. These abnormal cells slowly grow in sun-exposed areas.

What do cancerous dark spots look like?

The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred. The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue. The spot is larger than ¼ inch across – about the size of a pencil eraser – although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this.

How can you tell if a black spot is cancerous?

Border – melanomas usually have a notched or ragged border. Colours – melanomas will usually be a mix of 2 or more colours. Diameter – most melanomas are usually larger than 6mm in diameter. Enlargement or elevation – a mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma.

What do cancerous age spots look like?

Spots that become asymmetric, have borders that shift, get darker or lighter, or change in diameter should be checked for skin cancer. Speed of changes. Age spots tend to shift from pink to yellow to tan to brown over several years. Spots that are changing more rapidly should be evaluated.

Can brown spots just appear?

Your doctor has told you that those brown spots that appeared suddenly on your skin are nothing to worry about – they are simply age spots. That's great news. But if you don't like how they look, here's expert advice on how you get rid of them and avoid getting more.

Which deficiency causes black spots on skin?

The hyperpigmentation related to vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in darker-skinned patients. Few other cases of skin hyperpigmentation due to vitamin B12 deficiency have been reported in the literature.

When should you get a spot checked out?

If you notice any new spots on your skin, spots that are different from others, or spots that are changing, itching or bleeding, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.

Do dark spots go naturally?

Most dark spots will then fade on their own over time, but it may take a long time. Skin injury: As the wound heals, you may see a dark spot or patch. In time, the hyperpigmentation will fade if you don't re-injure your skin.

Do dark spots go away?

Once you stop what's causing the dark spots or patches, fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your skin will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years. Discoloration that lies deep in the skin is often slate blue to gray in color.

What does melanoma spot look like?

Border that is irregular: The edges are often ragged, notched, or blurred in outline. The pigment may spread into the surrounding skin. Color that is uneven: Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present. Areas of white, gray, red, pink, or blue may also be seen.

How can you tell if a spot is melanoma?

What kind of spots are cancerous?

What are the 7 warning signs of skin cancer?

How does skin cancer start out looking?

A persistent, scaly red patch with irregular borders that sometimes crusts or bleeds. For information on squamous cell carcinoma signs and symptoms, visit our SCC Warning Signs page.

What can be mistaken for skin cancer?

What does stress spots look like?

A stress rash usually looks like raised red bumps or hives that range from a single welt to a cluster of tiny dots. Commonly, these clusters will appear on the face, neck, chest, arms, and hands. However, they are not limited to those areas and can ultimately appear anywhere on the body.

What are anxiety spots?

Stress rashes often appear as raised red bumps called hives. They can affect any part of the body, but often a stress rash is on the face, neck, chest or arms. Hives may range from tiny dots to large welts and may form in clusters. They may be itchy or cause a burning or tingling sensation.

Can hormone imbalance cause dark spots?

Melasma usually occurs on the cheeks, forehead, nose or above the lips and is generally light brown and patchy. It's caused by hormone imbalances and is why expectant mothers, and women on birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy typically have brown or tan patches on their faces.