What should you know about melanoma pimple?

Melanoma is a skin cancer that can begin in pigment-producing cells. It may look like a dark mole, but some melanomas appear as a new raised bump, a pink or red spot, or a lesion that resembles an inflamed pimple. A pimple commonly settles as inflammation improves; a suspicious lesion may remain, enlarge, develop uneven colour, crust, or bleed. A pimple-like appearance does not identify the cause by itself, and a pimple is not evidence that someone has melanoma.

Do not squeeze, pick, burn, or repeatedly treat the spot with acne products before it is assessed. Photograph it in good light beside a ruler, record when it appeared, and note changes in size, colour, shape, tenderness, crusting, or bleeding. Arrange a prompt appointment with a dermatologist or qualified clinician, who may examine the whole skin and recommend removal for laboratory analysis. If melanoma is confirmed, care may include surgical excision and, depending on findings, further staging or treatment.

Seek prompt medical review for a new bump that does not settle, a spot changing over time, spontaneous bleeding, repeated crusting, marked colour variation, or a sore that does not heal. Seek urgent help if a skin lesion is accompanied by severe illness, rapidly spreading redness, or uncontrolled bleeding. A clinician should also assess a new persistent lesion in someone previously treated for melanoma.

Ask whether the lesion needs dermoscopy, whether it should be removed or sampled, and how soon results will be available. Clarify which skin changes should trigger another visit and how to check hard-to-see areas. Ask whether family history, many moles, or prior melanoma changes your follow-up plan.