25 May What’s This Spot?
A suspicious spot or other skin condition is often the catalyst for patients to first visit a dermatologist or skin care expert. RefinedMD offers diagnoses and treatments for a wide variety of skin conditions ranging from moles and lesions to warts, age spots, rashes, and cancer. Our skin is regularly exposed to dangerous UV rays—often without proper sunscreen protection—and as the largest organ of our body it’s important to take care of it. Avoid “self-diagnosis” with Google searches and instead depend on a dermatologist to provide you with a diagnosis and treatment options.
Most people have at least one mole. This is a type of hyperpigmentation that occurs when the skin cells grow in one spot rather than being spread evenly throughout the skin. These skin cells are called melanocytes, and they’re what give your skin pigment and its natural tone. Moles tend to get darker with sun exposure, as adolescents, and during pregnancy. Most moles are perfectly harmless, although there are options to remove moles for aesthetic reasons. If a mole is suspicious and doesn’t follow the ABCDEs of healthy moles, it may be a sign of skin cancer. If you notice any strange mole or rapidly changing mole, it’s important to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist immediately.
Types of “Spots”
A wart is a common and harmless skin growth that looks like a rough bump. They can happen anywhere on the body and might be confused with a blister that doesn’t go away. Warts are caused by a type of HPV (human papillomavirus) virus and there are various types of warts. For example, palmar warts are exclusively found on the hand while plantar warts are on the feet. Up to 33 percent of children and teens will get warts, but only 3–5 percent of adults get them due to a stronger immune system. Warts are highly contagious and often go away on their own, but many people prefer immediate removal for aesthetic reasons. Your dermatologist will recommend the best treatment ranging from lasers to surgery or medical-grade ointments.
Age spots are another common type of hyperpigmentation and they aren’t as concentrated or as dark as moles. They’re usually a flat brown or gray color and are most often found in areas that are regularly exposed to the sun. Also known as liver spots or sun spots, age spots are caused by excessive and/or continuous UV exposure without proper protection. Age spots can start appearing at any time to anyone, but are most common in those with fair skin, over the age of 40, and who have a history of unprotected sun exposure. Most age spots are harmless, but treatments such as chemical peels and laser skin rejuvenation can lighten or remove them for cosmetic reasons. However, sometimes what you think is an age spot is actually an early sign of cancer. This is another reason why it’s important to schedule annual “skin checks” with your dermatologist or schedule a consultation any time you’re not sure what a spot is.
Treating Your Skin Right
Rashes usually don’t present as “spots” unless they’re hives. A rash isn’t a specific condition, but rather a means of identifying skin that is often red, itchy, and swollen. Sometimes rashes are severe enough to cause blisters and raw skin. A rash can be a symptom of various issues, and they are most often caused by an allergic reaction. Whether it’s poison ivy, a reaction to a medication, or sensitivity to laundry detergent or soap, a rash is your skin’s way of telling you something’s wrong. Allergies can also change and develop as we age, so it’s feasible to “suddenly” be allergic to something that was perfectly fine before.
Finally, it’s possible that a spot might be skin cancer. It’s often everyone’s first thought and it’s critical to see a dermatologist for any strange spot, but bear in mind that there are many things that “spot” might be. However, to be safe, everyone should schedule a skin check once per year. Get a diagnosis and treatment plan started by calling RefinedMD during business hours or complete the online contact form now.