What should you know about dark blue spots on skin?

A tender raised spot may be an inflamed pimple, while a blue-purple mark left after inflammation can be post-inflammatory colour or a small amount of blood beneath the skin. Folliculitis can create clusters around hairs, and Razor Bumps may follow shaving. Acne and Hormonal Acne can produce recurring inflamed lesions; Rosacea or Perioral Dermatitis can mimic acne in particular facial areas. Colour alone cannot identify the cause.

Do not squeeze, needle, or repeatedly scrub the spot. Cleanse gently, avoid a newly irritating product, and use sunscreen on exposed skin to reduce lingering colour. Note whether lesions follow shaving, a menstrual cycle, a new medicine, sweating, or a particular product. A clinician can decide whether acne care, follicle-focused treatment, or another approach is suitable. LED Light Therapy may be discussed for selected acne-related inflammation, but it does not replace diagnosis.

Seek medical review if a spot grows quickly, becomes very painful, bleeds without being picked, develops a persistent crust, or does not behave like your usual pimples. Prompt care is warranted for rapidly spreading redness, fever, facial swelling, eye involvement, or severe pain. A new blue mark after significant injury also deserves assessment.

Is this an active inflamed lesion, a healing mark, or bleeding under the skin? Could shaving, hormones, medication, or a product be contributing? Which treatment prevents new spots without irritating my skin?