OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Unexplained Dark Marks on My Body

8/16/2025, 11:20:37 AMMale25-34

Gender: Male Age: 18 Height: 167 cm Weight: 85 kg Lifestyle: Non-drinker, Non-smoker Recently, I've noticed some concerning dark marks on my body. Specifically, I've found new black spots on the left side of my chest, right next to my nipple. Additionally, several spots have also emerged on the right side beneath my armpit, which adds to my worry about these changes. ### Details of the Marks: **Under the Right Armpit:** - Approximately 3 to 4 spots, each roughly the size of a quarter. - They appear brownish and somewhat faded. **On the Left Chest, Next to the Nipple:** - Very small marks, barely noticeable. - They’ve formed in a distinctive pattern that resembles a broken letter “L.” I'm uncertain about the underlying cause of these spots, and I'd like to address my concerns.

Lifestyle ChangesInternal MedicinePreventive Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

8/16/2025, 11:21:04 AM

OpenHealth AI

Noticing dark marks on your body can understandably cause concern. It's important to first recognize that skin changes like these can arise from various reasons, and many are benign. However, it’s crucial to keep an eye on them and take steps to understand their significance.

Explanation:

The dark marks you're describing can result from multiple causes, including:

  • Hyperpigmentation: Areas where the skin has produced excess melanin due to sun exposure, hormonal changes, or friction.
  • Skin Conditions: Conditions such as eczema or dermatitis can lead to changes in skin coloration.
  • Moles or Freckles: New moles can sometimes develop, and the patterns might vary.
  • Infections or Inflammatory Response: Certain infections can cause skin changes, as can allergic reactions.

Next Steps:

  1. Monitor Changes: Over the next few weeks, closely observe whether the spots change in size, shape, or color. Also, note if you experience any itching or irritation in those areas.

  2. Take Photos: Document the spots by taking clear, well-lit photographs. This can help track any changes over time.

  3. Avoid Irritants: Keep the affected areas clean and avoid harsh soaps or products that might irritate your skin.

  4. Skin Protection: If you're exposed to sunlight, make sure to use sunscreen on the areas to prevent further darkening.

  5. Consider a Check-Up: While the situation may not be alarming, consider informing a healthcare professional about these changes either during a routine check-up or if you notice significant changes. Taking action at an early stage can help in assessing any potential concerns efficiently.

Your concerns matter, and it's valid to want clarity on skin changes. Keeping an eye on these spots and being proactive about your skin health will serve you well. Let me know if you have more questions or need further information!

Related Questions

Should I Worry About This Blister?

I’m 24 years old and have developed a blister on my ankle. Initially, when it was starting to form, the area around it was inflamed, prompting me to apply some antibiotic cream. However, after a day, the redness has subsided, yet the blister itself has enlarged and taken on a yellow hue. Fortunately, there are no additional signs indicating an infection. My treatment approach thus far has been quite simple: I periodically apply antibiotic cream but otherwise avoid touching it. Should I be worried about this blister, or is it best to just let it be?

Lifestyle ChangesFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
12 minutes ago

Concerns About Naegleria fowleri Exposure

As a 16-year-old male, weighing approximately 70 kg and standing 182 cm tall, I visited a lake in Bavaria, Germany, where the water temperature was between 23 and 24 degrees Celsius. During my time there, some of the lake water entered my nose, but instead of coughing or sneezing, I inadvertently swallowed it. Now, three days have passed, and I find myself filled with anxiety about the possibility of infection. I would like to know if the act of accidentally swallowing water that entered through my nose poses any health risks.

AgingWellnessLifestyle Changes
Male25-34
32 minutes ago

38-Year-Old Male Seeking Clarity After 9 Years of Health Struggles

Hello everyone, I’ll aim to be succinct and straightforward. **About Me:** I am a 38-year-old male, who avoids smoking, alcohol, and drugs. For a significant part of my life, I dealt with obesity, but in the period from 2012 to 2015, I achieved a personal best by dropping from 220 pounds to 145. Unfortunately, I’ve regained that weight due to limitations preventing me from staying active and engaging in desired activities. My blood pressure has consistently hovered near the hypertension threshold. Anxiety wasn’t part of my history until the onset of my health issues. **Health Problems:** The emergence of my symptoms began around 2016. Initially, they were mild but progressively worsened over a couple of months. I experience severe fatigue, occasional bouts of dizziness, nausea, cognitive clouding, headaches with migraines, and neck pain. Shortly after these symptoms manifested, I noticed blood in my stool for about a week, alongside developing heat intolerance. At times, I feel faint or as if I lack sufficient blood flow or oxygen to my head, similar to the sensation of being tipsy despite not consuming alcohol. Engaging in cardio-intensive activities exacerbates these issues significantly. **Medical Journey:** I have sought help from numerous healthcare professionals without uncovering any explanations for my symptoms: - Consulted five primary care physicians, undergoing extensive blood tests. - Visited three ENT specialists, including several sinus CT scans. - Met with three cardiology experts, who performed EKGs, stress tests, and heart ultrasounds. - Consulted an endocrinologist who dismissed my concerns quickly. - Spoke with a sleep specialist who diagnosed me with mild hypersomnia. - Had a brain MRI with a neurologist. - Had an upper GI assessment with a gastroenterologist. - Made multiple trips to the ER, seeing 6-8 different doctors. - Attended therapy sessions to help cope with these prolonged issues. - Continued regular visits with a chiropractor, who I had been seeing for five years prior. **Additional Remarks:** - Residing on the east coast of the US, an area known for Lyme disease, I spend a lot of time outdoors. I had to advocate for Lyme testing, which showed three out of ten indicators, but I was informed that this result is considered negative. - One ER physician suggested checking my kidneys, but his recommendation was never entered into the system, leaving me unable to follow through. - Three years ago, desperate for relief, I started Cymbalta as advised by my primary care physician, but it hasn’t altered my symptoms. - My wisdom teeth were extracted a year before my health issues began. - Lying down in any position seems to alleviate my symptoms; consequently, I frequently rest in this manner during my free time. - Three years ago, my vitamin D levels were low enough to require a prescription, despite taking daily supplements. - An ER doctor once noted scarring on my left lung, asking if I was recently ill, which I wasn’t beyond my ongoing symptoms. He suggested following up with my PCP, who showed little concern and offered but did not carry out follow-up X-rays. - I meticulously tracked my diet and blood sugar levels for over a month, utilizing finger pricks and a continuous glucose monitor. I found that my symptoms tended to flare up when my levels dropped to around 70 or lower. However, my endocrinologist insisted that those levels fall within a normal range and are not to blame. This summarizes my current situation. I’ll add any additional thoughts as they arise.

AgingLifestyle ChangesPreventive Medicine
Male25-34
52 minutes ago

Could This Be Palatal Myoclonus?

Could this condition be palatal myoclonus? I've been experiencing a clicking sensation in my ear. For a better understanding, please refer to the attached video for more details.

WellnessFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
52 minutes ago

Is It Safe to Overlook Leg Numbness?

For the past three months, I've been experiencing intermittent numbness in various parts of my left leg. This sensation seems to have settled mainly around my ankle, the back of my heel, and at times, my knee. Additionally, I have developed new symptoms in the last fortnight, including a peculiar coldness that feels like it runs in stripes up the back of my leg. There's also a nagging discomfort in my thigh above the knee and on the sides or top of the knee joint. Occasionally, I experience a cold, burning sensation in the front part of my leg, and sometimes this ache travels up to my upper inner thigh area. Importantly, there has been no swelling or discoloration, and I do not feel pain outside of these symptoms. Although I can rotate my ankles without discomfort, I notice that my symptoms become more pronounced temporarily. While my right leg occasionally experiences similar aches around the front and knee area, these occurrences are much less frequent. Under these circumstances, do you think it’s advisable to leave this situation as is for the time being? I am walking normally and want to avoid making it a bigger issue than necessary. Thank you!

AgingFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago