Should I Consult a Dermatologist About This Spot? (Possible Melanoma)
Age: 32, Male In the past, I frequently visited tanning beds, to the extent that for around three years, my skin tone appeared significantly different, almost as if I belonged to another ethnic group. I’m uncertain exactly when this spot developed; however, it surfaced within the last few years, long after I had ceased tanning activities. In the provided images, you will notice that the spot has a slightly raised edge, resembling a less dramatic outline of Florida. I prefer not to incur high expenses for a concern that might seem normal to others.
Answers (1)
6/20/2025, 1:30:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about a new or changing spot on your skin, especially with a history of tanning bed use. Given your description of the spot, particularly its raised edge and the changes over time, it’s prudent to take it seriously. Consulting a dermatologist can be crucial, as they can provide a professional assessment and determine if any further action is needed.
Explanation
Spots or moles that change in appearance, specifically those that become raised, have irregular edges, or vary in color, can sometimes be indicators of skin issues, including melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Your history of frequent tanning bed use increases your risk for skin changes, which makes it advisable to seek professional advice.
Next Steps
- Evaluate the Spot: Take note of any changes such as size, color, or texture over the next week.
- Document Symptoms: Consider keeping a simple record of your observations about the spot, including any symptoms like itching or bleeding.
- Consult a Dermatologist: Look for a local dermatologist to schedule an appointment. Many clinics offer options for skin checks, and some have financial assistance programs or sliding scale fees if costs are a concern.
- Avoid Tanning: To protect your skin further, avoid using tanning beds or excessive sun exposure.
- Protect Your Skin: Use sunscreen regularly, even on cloudy days, to prevent additional skin damage.
Taking these steps will help ensure that you have peace of mind regarding your skin health. Let me know if you have any further questions or need more information!
Related Questions
Knee Skin Issue: What Could It Be?
Hello! I hope you can help me with a concern I have about my knee. I’m a 20-year-old woman, standing at 160 cm and weighing 70 kg. Recently, I've noticed a troublesome patch on my knee. This area has become scaly and itchy, and it first appeared during my early teenage years. Initially, it manifested on my right knee as a tiny cluster of itchy bumps. Despite being small, scratching the area made it bleed and seemed to exacerbate the size of the irritation. Eventually, I also observed that the same patch developed on my left knee as well. After a while, I decided to consult a physician about this issue. Although I didn’t receive a concrete diagnosis, I was prescribed a topical ointment. Unfortunately, the cream didn’t have any labeling and I don’t know the specific ingredients, as it was a custom mix from the office. Thankfully, after applying it for some time, the patches on both knees cleared up entirely. However, a few years later, the condition returned. Two years back, I had a minor incident where I cut my right knee. The wound was small, roughly 1 cm, and I chose to let it heal naturally. This left me with a scar, which initially seemed fine for about a year. Then out of nowhere, the scar began to itch a bit. It was dry at first, leading me to peel off the dead skin, but soon the itchiness intensified, prompting me to scratch it. Now, I see that the irregularity is spreading again. It resembles the earlier issue, yet this time it’s smoother rather than scaly, although it’s just as itchy. I still have some of the ointment from the doctor’s visit, and applying it seems to relieve the itchiness temporarily. Just before I used the cream again, the area appeared to be inflamed due to persistent scratching. So, I am wondering what this could be. Is it wise to consult a dermatologist regarding this skin condition? I did some research online and the symptoms I've experienced in the past seem to align with psoriasis pictures, but the current manifestation, while spreading similarly, does not exhibit the same scaly characteristic. Thank you for taking the time to read my message. I apologize for the length and any confusion in my explanations, as English isn’t my first language. Wishing you all a great day!
Enigmatic Skin Condition
I’ve recently stumbled upon this community and wanted to share my experience! Here's my story: - At the age of 22, I noticed peculiar marks appearing on both of my hands. They weren’t itchy or red, but there was some slight swelling in my hands. - I felt perfectly healthy otherwise, without any additional symptoms. - These marks extended from my fingertips to about the halfway point on my forearms. - Over a span of two weeks, they began as subtle symptoms beneath the skin and eventually surfaced, with some areas developing blisters. - Prior to this, I had experienced chicken pox as a child at three years old and shingles on my back at the age of 19. Since then, I have had no other skin-related problems, and I’ve never dealt with cold sores, warts, or anything similar. - I consulted a general practitioner at the time, who speculated that it might be stress-related as he eliminated the possibility of contact dermatitis. This was shortly after I graduated from college about a month earlier. This incident occurred back in 2008, and I haven't encountered anything like it again. I would appreciate any insights or thoughts you may have!
Concern Over New Skin Growth on Thigh
I’ve noticed a skin lesion about 20mm in size on my thigh, and I’m uncertain about its nature. It’s been worrying me, and I would appreciate any insights or information regarding possible causes or conditions it might be related to. Has anyone else experienced something similar? Any advice on how to proceed would be greatly valued.
Identifying Mysterious Nose Spots
Greetings everyone! I'm a 32-year-old woman, and I don't take any medications. For several months now, I've been dealing with two spots on my nose that simply won’t go away. I maintain a skincare routine that includes cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, but despite my efforts, these spots remain persistent. They lack a noticeable head, which makes it impossible for me to pop them, and they neither cause discomfort nor have they grown larger over time. I woke up one day to discover them, and they’ve been there ever since. My apologies for the poor image quality.
Seeking Help for a Skin Rash
Age: 20 years Gender: Male Height: 5 feet 10 inches Weight: 130 pounds Ethnicity: Asian Length of Symptoms: Approximately one week, although the larger area of irritation has been developing for about three weeks. Affected Area: My arms Medical History: No known health issues Current Treatments: Not taking any medications at the moment.