Concerns About Skin Discoloration
Hey everyone! I wanted to share my experience and gather some insights. Recently, I, an 18-year-old female, embarked on a cruise that took me abroad. In preparation for the trip, I decided to get a tanning membership, visiting the salon daily for about a month. Despite my efforts to achieve a sun-kissed glow, I have noticed some troubling skin changes; there are noticeable discolored patches appearing on my skin. Specifically, I have two prominent spots on my arms and another on my back. While there might be additional discolorations, I can't quite determine if they are merely variations in skin tone or new moles that I hadn’t previously observed. The ones on my arms are definitely fresh developments. I have photos from my vacation showing how my skin looked initially, then I noticed a small red dot that has since transformed into a dark brown spot. Two weeks have passed since my trip, and instead of fading, these spots seem to have darkened even further. I come from a family with a history of melanoma, but honestly, they don't seem to resemble typical melanoma symptoms (although I’m not an expert, just using my recollections and some Google searches). Furthermore, these spots appeared almost overnight, which leads me to doubt whether they are sunspots. As a teenager, I've learned that such spots typically develop later in life, and much of the area where these spots are located was shielded throughout my vacation, especially the back, which hardly got any sun exposure at all. If you feel like this isn’t serious, please let me know! Conversely, if you think it’s wise to have a professional examine it, I’d also appreciate your input. Just to note, I’m not currently taking any medications or treatments. Thanks for your help!
Answers (1)
8/1/2025, 3:31:11 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about sudden changes in your skin, especially given your family history of melanoma. Skin discolorations can arise from various factors, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, or even reactions to products like tanning beds.
Explanation:
The spots you're describing, particularly since they've developed quickly and darkened over time, warrant attention. While some discoloration can be benign (like freckles or sunspots), it’s essential to monitor any new or changing lesions closely. Changes in color, size, or shape in moles or skin spots can be a reason to seek further evaluation.
Next Steps:
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Monitor the Spots: Keep an eye on the spots for changes in size, color, or any additional symptoms (like itching, bleeding, or pain).
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Avoid Further Tanning: It's advisable to stop using tanning beds and minimize sun exposure to avoid further skin damage.
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Document Changes: Consider taking photos of the spots weekly so you can clearly track their progression. This can be useful for any future consultations.
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Seek Professional Evaluation: Given your family history and the quick changes in your skin, it's best to get a dermatologist's opinion. They can evaluate the spots more thoroughly and possibly perform a biopsy if necessary.
These actions will help ensure you’re taking care of your skin’s health and allow for timely intervention if needed. Always listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to seek help when you’re uncertain.
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