Have you had that moment? You catch a glimpse of your skin in the mirror and notice something new: a brown spot that wasn’t there before, a tiny red dot on your arm, or a rough bump that feels a little odd. Skin changes are a normal part of life, but they can also be concerning.
As a board-certified dermatologist, my goal is to help you understand what’s going on with your skin and when it’s time to schedule an appointment with us. Here’s a quick guide to common skin changes and what they might mean.
Brown Spots: Sun Damage or Something Else?
Brown spots — also called age spots, sun spots, or liver spots —are incredibly common especially on areas that see the most sun exposure, like the face, hands, shoulders, and chest.
These flat, brown or tan spots are usually caused by sun damage over time. They’re generally harmless, but they can also resemble other conditions, like melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
When to see us: If you notice a spot that is irregular in shape, has multiple colors, changes over time, bleeds or itches, book an appointment. Early detection is key when it comes to skin cancer.
Red Dots: Tiny But Noticeable
Those little red spots seem to pop up out of nowhere. They may be cherry angiomas, small clusters of tiny blood vessels just under the skin.
Cherry angiomas are harmless and tend to appear with age, often on the torso or arms. Other possibilities for red spots include broken capillaries, insect bites, or skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
When to see us: If the red spot grows quickly, bleeds, becomes painful, or is surrounded by other symptoms like a rash or swelling, it’s time to get it checked out.
Bumps: Rough, Smooth, or Scaly?
Skin bumps can range from harmless clogged pores or keratosis pilaris (“chicken skin”) to cysts, actinic keratoses, or even skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma.
Rough, scaly bumps that don’t go away may indicate sun damage or precancerous changes. Soft, flesh-colored bumps could be benign growths like skin tags.
When to see us: If a bump is painful, rapidly growing, changing in appearance, ulcerating, or bleeding, it’s important to have it evaluated.
When in Doubt, Check It Out
Your skin is your body’s largest organ — and it deserves care and attention. Many skin changes are completely benign, but some can be signs of more serious conditions.
Your skin deserves expert care, and we’re here for you every step of the way.
If you’ve noticed a new or changing spot, bump, or rash, don’t wait! Please feel free to contact us today to book your skin check!
Remember: Early evaluation brings peace of mind and better outcomes.