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Have Dark Freckles Appear Thighs, Arms And Back. Suggested Freckles And Moles. Should I Be Concerned?
Question: Hi,
In the last six months I have had at least 30-50 new, dark freckles appear all over my thighs, arms and back. I went to a dermatologist who advised they were both freckles and moles, then biopsied several. One was a dysplastic nevi and the others were normal. In the three weeks since my visit, I have had at least 50 more explode on my hands and legs. These look like dark freckles, and normally I wouldn't think much of it. However, to have suddenly erupted with approximately 100 new ones in no more than 3-6 months is alarming. I am in my early 40s.
Should I be concerned? What could cause such a rapid onset? My legs and back have been had very limited exposure to the sun this year.
Thanks.
In the last six months I have had at least 30-50 new, dark freckles appear all over my thighs, arms and back. I went to a dermatologist who advised they were both freckles and moles, then biopsied several. One was a dysplastic nevi and the others were normal. In the three weeks since my visit, I have had at least 50 more explode on my hands and legs. These look like dark freckles, and normally I wouldn't think much of it. However, to have suddenly erupted with approximately 100 new ones in no more than 3-6 months is alarming. I am in my early 40s.
Should I be concerned? What could cause such a rapid onset? My legs and back have been had very limited exposure to the sun this year.
Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Self checking of the skin
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Rapid onset nevi particularly within 6 months has no best literature. Few reasons are known for melanocyte growth like sunlight, drugs etc. New nevi should not be worried about unless they are different from the previous ones. The new nevi has the peak during the third decade of life and fade off in the seventh.
I opine that you should not be worried about and suggest you for self examination of the skin. For the existing nevi check for ABCD i.e. asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, and diameter (>6 mm) and report them to the doctor.
Summary, nevi are not scary but the features that turn them to be melanotic are. Keep following your dermatologist and they are well trained on how to manage.
Self checking of the skin
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Rapid onset nevi particularly within 6 months has no best literature. Few reasons are known for melanocyte growth like sunlight, drugs etc. New nevi should not be worried about unless they are different from the previous ones. The new nevi has the peak during the third decade of life and fade off in the seventh.
I opine that you should not be worried about and suggest you for self examination of the skin. For the existing nevi check for ABCD i.e. asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, and diameter (>6 mm) and report them to the doctor.
Summary, nevi are not scary but the features that turn them to be melanotic are. Keep following your dermatologist and they are well trained on how to manage.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Aparna Kohli
Answered by
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