What should you know about melanoma that looks like a pimple?

Melanoma can appear as a raised bump rather than a flat dark mark. It may be pink, red, brown, black, or a mixture of shades. Features that deserve attention include growth, an uneven outline, several colours, crusting, bleeding, tenderness, or failure to settle like an ordinary spot.

A pimple-like appearance does not establish the diagnosis. A clinician may use dermoscopy and, when needed, remove the lesion or take a biopsy so tissue can be examined.

Avoid squeezing, picking, burning, or applying strong acne products to a mark that is changing or not healing. Photograph it beside a ruler or familiar object, note when you first noticed it, and arrange a skin assessment.

Mention previous skin cancers, family history, intense sun exposure, and any recent change. A clinician can decide whether observation, treatment for a benign lesion, or tissue sampling is appropriate.

Arrange a prompt appointment for a bump that enlarges, changes colour, crusts, bleeds, becomes persistently sore, or remains after expected acne healing. Seek urgent help for uncontrolled bleeding, rapidly spreading redness with fever, or severe swelling affecting the eye or breathing.

Ask whether the mark needs dermoscopy or removal, what changes to monitor, how long observation should last, and how the wound would be cared for if tissue is sampled. Ask when the result will be reviewed.