Understanding common skin spots helps you know when to relax and when to get checked.
Sunspots (Lentigines, “Age Spots”)
- What they are: Flat, light- to dark-brown spots caused by sun exposure over time.
- Where: Face, hands, shoulders, arms—sunny areas.
- Look/feel: Even color, round/oval, flat, not changing quickly.
- Harmless? Yes. Cosmetic only.
- Care: Sun protection; optional fading creams (azelaic acid, retinoids) or procedures (chemical peels, lasers).
- Red flags: Rapid change, very dark/black, irregular borders—get checked.
Moles (Nevi)
- What they are: Benign collections of pigment cells.
- Where: Anywhere. Most people have 10–40.
- Look/feel: Uniform color (tan/brown), round/oval, stable over time. Can be flat or raised.
- Harmless? Usually. New moles after age 30 are less common—watch closely.
- Care: Photo monitoring, sun protection.
- Red flags (ABCDE + Ugly Duckling):
- A: Asymmetry
- B: Border irregular
- C: Color varied
- D: Diameter >6 mm (pencil eraser)—but small melanomas exist
- E: Evolving (any change: size, shape, color, itch, bleed)
- Ugly Duckling: looks different from your other moles
Melanoma (Skin Cancer to Catch Early)
- What it is: A dangerous cancer of pigment cells. Curable when caught early.
- Where: Anywhere, even where the sun doesn’t shine; in men, often back; in women, legs. Can occur under nails (look for a dark streak that widens or pigment on the cuticle).
- Look/feel: Often follows ABCDE; can be a new spot or a changing mole. Amelanotic melanomas may be pink/red.
- What to do: See a clinician quickly if any ABCDE or ugly duckling sign. Don’t delay.
Simple monthly self-check
- Good light, full-length and hand mirrors.
- Check scalp, behind ears, back, buttocks, and between toes.
- Take clear photos of spots you’re tracking.
Sun safety that really helps
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily on exposed skin; reapply outdoors.
- Protective clothing and wide-brim hat; seek shade 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- No tanning beds.
When to see a clinician
- Any ABCDE features, a nonhealing spot, persistent bleeding/crusting, rapidly growing lesion, or nail streak that’s changing.
- Personal/family history of melanoma: schedule routine skin exams.