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

Have your doctor look at spots that are black or have changed in appearance. These changes can be signs of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.

What causes random dark spots on skin?

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.

Are dark spots skin cancer?

These spots are called “actinic lentigines,” which are more commonly referred to as sun spots, age spots, or liver spots. These small, gray-brown spots aren't a type of skin cancer. They also don't progress to become skin cancer and don't require any treatment.

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.

What do liver spots look like?

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.

Fix Your Dark Spots in 3 Steps! | Hyperpigmentation | Melasma | Skincare Made Simple

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.

When should you get skin spots checked?

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. Anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of skin color.

How can you tell if a spot is cancerous?

What spots on skin should I be concerned about?

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 are the 7 warning signs of skin cancer?

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.

Does skin cancer look like a black spot?

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.

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.

What are pre cancerous skin spots?

Actinic keratoses are very common, and many people have them. They are caused by ultraviolet (UV) damage to the skin. Some actinic keratoses can turn into squamous cell skin cancer. Because of this, the lesions are often called precancer.

What does a beginning melanoma 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.

Can a dermatologist tell if a spot is cancerous?

If you find a suspicious spot, seeing a dermatologist can give you peace of mind. Dermatologists are experts in caring for the skin and have more experience diagnosing skin cancer than any other doctor.

How do I know if my spots are normal?

When should I go to the doctor for skin discoloration?

If spots, moles, or discolorations on your skin change in size, shape, or coloring you should contact your board-certified dermatologist. Often it is difficult to discern the difference between a sunspot or a cancerous spot which is why an annual dermatologist skin checkup is highly recommended.

What are four warning signs of melanoma?

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.

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.

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.

What are the skin signs of liver problems?

The commonest symptom in patients with liver disease is pruritus which is often protracted and disabling. Other common features include spider angiomas, palmar erythema, paper money skin, xanthelasmas, pigmentary changes, and nutritional deficiencies.

What age do you start getting liver spots?

Liver spots are very common after age 40. They occur most often on areas that have had the greatest sun exposure, such as the: Backs of the hands. Face.