Unexplained Marks on My Chest Captured in Selfies
I'm a 32-year-old female and have discovered a peculiar issue: in certain selfies, a distinct mark appears on my chest. It consistently shows up in the same area—on my right breast, there's a larger stain, while a smaller one is present on my left. I've taken these photos in various lighting conditions, across different weeks, and even right after showering. Interestingly, it doesn’t appear in every picture, typically cropping up in just one or two from a set. Yet, the consistent shape and placement lead me to wonder if my camera is picking up on something that's not visible to my eyes. What could it be? Is there a cause for concern? Even if it's harmless now, could it potentially become more noticeable in the future? Additionally, here’s some background about me: I have hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (cEDS) and I likely experienced sun damage in my youth since my mother believed as long as you don't burn, everything is fine. I've been using the pill and ring since I was 15, with a break for about eight months until I resumed almost a month ago. My daily medications include: Vyvanse (70-90mg), amitriptyline (25mg for nerve pain), hydroxyzine (50mg for sleep), etoricoxib (90mg, a COX-2 inhibitor), propiomazine (50mg for sleep), and melatonin (6mg). Finding a dermatologist to evaluate this issue has proven to be quite challenging in my area. Local private dermatologists often focus on cosmetic concerns rather than addressing skin disorders. Moreover, I haven't taken any pictures of my breasts since my early twenties until just a couple of months ago, so I lack prior context to determine if this mark is something new or not.
Answers (1)
7/19/2025, 2:40:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about unusual marks on your skin, especially when they are visible in photos but not to the naked eye.
Main Points:
- The marks you're seeing could be related to several benign factors, including skin pigmentation, shadows, or even the camera itself.
- Given your history of sun exposure, it’s important to monitor any changes carefully.
Explanation:
The marks that appear on your chest in selfies could be due to a number of reasons:
- Skin pigmentation: Certain conditions can cause changes in skin color, which may be more visible in photographs.
- Camera effects: Sometimes, lighting and camera settings can highlight imperfections or textures on the skin that aren't noticeable in person.
- Underlying skin conditions: While you have a history of sun exposure, which can lead to skin changes, the exact cause of the marks would ideally be evaluated by a specialist.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Changes: Keep an eye on the marks over the next few weeks. Take pictures regularly in similar lighting conditions to help you track any changes.
- Document Symptoms: Note any other symptoms you may experience (itching, redness, etc.), as these can help you understand if the marks are changing or causing discomfort.
- Protect Your Skin: In the meantime, practice good sun protection. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on your chest daily. This may help prevent any potential worsening of pigmentation over time.
- Explore Teledermatology: If finding a local dermatologist is difficult, consider reaching out to telehealth services where you can consult a dermatologist online and possibly receive guidance and advice based on your photos.
- Stay Patient and Informed: While it's normal to worry, many skin marks are benign and do not pose a risk to health. If the marks do change in appearance or if additional symptoms arise, seek medical attention promptly.
Please remember, while home monitoring can provide peace of mind, a professional evaluation is the best way to address any concerns thoroughly.
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