Additionally, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur after an injury or inflammation, leaving darker patches as the skin heals. Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics that can help differentiate them from more concerning changes, such as those associated with skin cancer.
5. Red-Flag Signs That Mean You Should Not Wait To Get Checked
Certain symptoms should prompt immediate medical evaluation. These include rapidly changing lesions, those that bleed or do not heal, and patches accompanied by severe itching, pain, or tenderness. If a patch exhibits any of these red-flag signs, it’s important to seek dermatological advice as soon as possible.
Other signs that warrant urgent evaluation include lesions that exhibit the ‘ugly duckling’ sign, meaning they look significantly different from other spots on your skin, or if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer can significantly improve outcomes.