I'm not sure what this is developing, I'm prone to freckles but this looks different (Photo)

Question

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.  
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. Based on your concerns, I recommend treatments with a PICO laser in area of concern to help break down the pigmentation and even out the skin tone. Pico lasers deliver ultra-short pulses of laser energy in picoseconds (trillionths of a second). This rapid delivery allows for precise targeting of pigment and melanin in the skin, breaking them down into smaller particles more effectively than traditional lasers. Pico lasers can also address a variety of skin concerns, including sunspots, age spots, freckles, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I highly recommend this laser. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

To provide a better understanding, it would be helpful to have more detailed information about the lesion or area of concern. However, I'll outline some general advice and considerations for skin changes that might look different from your usual freckles:

Characteristics to Monitor
1. Asymmetry: One half of the lesion does not match the other half.
2. Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
3. Color: The color is not uniform and may include shades of brown, black, pink, red, white, or blue.
4. Diameter: The spot is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can be smaller.
5. Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or elevation, or new symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or crusting.

Possible Conditions
- Solar Lentigines: These are larger, flat, brown spots often caused by sun exposure.
- Seborrheic Keratosis: These are benign, often warty, growths that can appear dark and irregular.
- Melanoma: A serious form of skin cancer that can develop from a mole or appear as a new dark spot.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma: A common form of skin cancer that may appear as a pearly or waxy bump or a flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion.
- Actinic Keratosis: Rough, scaly patches that are precancerous and caused by sun damage.

Immediate Steps
1. Photograph the Lesion: Taking a clear photo can help track any changes over time.
2. Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect the area from further sun exposure using sunscreen or clothing.
3. Monitor Closely: Keep an eye on the lesion for any changes in size, shape, or color.

When to See a Doctor
- Rapid Changes: If you notice any rapid changes in the lesion, it's important to see a dermatologist as soon as possible.
- Persistent Lesion: If the lesion does not heal or continues to grow.
- Symptoms: If the lesion becomes painful, itchy, bleeds, or oozes.

Professional Evaluation
- Dermatologist Consultation: A dermatologist can provide a thorough examination and may use a dermatoscope to get a closer look.
- Biopsy: If the dermatologist is concerned, they may perform a biopsy to determine if the lesion is benign or malignant.

Given your concern and the description that this lesion looks different from your usual freckles, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist for a professional evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for any skin abnormalities, particularly if there is a risk of skin cancer.

I'm not sure what this is developing, I'm prone to freckles but this looks different (Photo)

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I'm not sure what this is developing, I'm prone to freckles but this looks different (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Skin Lightening

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.