Unusual Dark Spot on My Shoulder That Resembles a Bruise but Isn't
I'm a 32-year-old woman and I've noticed a darkened mark on my shoulder. I can’t quite remember when it first appeared, but it might have been hanging around for up to four months. My boyfriend just drew my attention to it recently. Interestingly, it doesn’t hurt at all, and there’s no peculiar feel to it—it's essentially indistinguishable from the surrounding skin when I touch it. Should I be concerned about this mark? Is it just an ordinary sign of aging skin? Or could it be a serious condition like skin cancer that I’m completely unaware of? My online searches have given me conflicting information, and I realize I won’t be able to consult my dermatologist for another six months. Although I doubt I’ll find the definitive answer I’m seeking here, reaching out to Reddit seemed like a reasonable step to take!
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 2:30:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about a new mark on your skin, especially when online searches lead to conflicting information. A dark spot on your shoulder that resembles a bruise but isn’t painful and feels normal to the touch could be due to a variety of causes, from harmless skin changes to more serious conditions. Here’s how to navigate this situation:
Explanation
- Common Causes: The dark mark could be a benign (non-cancerous) condition like a solar lentigo (sun spot), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or an age spot, especially considering your age. These changes often occur due to sun exposure or skin healing.
- Skin Cancer Considerations: While skin cancers like melanoma can appear as dark spots, they typically have features such as asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, or changes in size. The fact that your spot has not changed in feel, color, or caused discomfort may be reassuring, but it doesn’t entirely rule out the need for evaluation.
Next Steps
- Monitor the Spot: Keep an eye on the mark over the next few weeks. Note any changes in its size, shape, or color.
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect the area from sun exposure by wearing clothing that covers it and applying sunscreen on exposed areas. This can prevent further changes to your skin.
- Document Your Observations: Take pictures of the spot weekly to track any changes, and make a note of any new symptoms, like itching or bleeding.
- Preparation for Dermatologist: When you can finally see your dermatologist, bring your notes and photos. This will help provide context for any changes.
While it's natural to worry, most dark spots are benign. However, staying informed and monitoring your skin is essential. If at any point the spot begins to change dramatically, or if you notice new spots appearing elsewhere on your body, consider seeking earlier medical attention.
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