Black spots on the back: what they may be

Tiny dark plugs in pores can be blackheads. Flat marks often remain after pimples or irritated follicles heal, particularly when lesions have been squeezed. Folliculitis commonly presents with clusters of inflamed bumps centred on hairs. Moles tend to be distinct individual marks rather than a crop of rough bumps. Because the back is difficult to inspect, photographs or help from someone you trust can reveal change that would otherwise be missed.

Shower after heavy sweating, change out of damp clothing, and choose loose breathable fabric when friction worsens bumps. Use a mild cleanser and avoid scraping out blackheads or applying abrasive body scrubs. Non-comedogenic skin and hair products are less likely to block pores. For a particular pigmented spot, take a well-lit image with a size reference and compare it periodically rather than relying on memory.

Arrange a skin check if one mark is new, growing, asymmetric, has an irregular edge, contains several colours, repeatedly crusts, bleeds, or does not heal. Painful deep lumps, spreading redness, drainage, or fever also need medical attention. A clinician can examine areas you cannot see clearly and distinguish pigment within the skin from material blocking a pore.

Describe when the marks appeared, whether bumps came first, and any itching, tenderness, bleeding, or drainage. Ask if the pattern is acne, folliculitis, post-inflammatory pigmentation, or a separate pigmented lesion, and whether any spot needs closer examination. Bring earlier photographs if available.