What should you know about raised dark spot on face?

A raised dark spot on the face may follow inflammation or sun exposure, but a new, changing, bleeding, or irregular spot needs professional assessment. Note when it appeared and whether it is flat at the edges, scaly, crusted, itchy, painful, or bleeding. Take a clear photograph in natural light and avoid picking it. A spot can darken after irritation, acne, or an injury, but elevation adds a reason to have an unfamiliar lesion examined.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can follow acne, eczema, or injury. Sun spots and melasma are usually colour changes rather than a single newly raised lesion. Tinea versicolor more often produces patches with fine scale, commonly on the trunk. A clinician may need to distinguish these from a mole or another growth by inspecting the surface and borders.

Use broad-spectrum sun protection and shade, cleanse gently, and stop picking or abrasive scrubs. Do not apply strong lightening products to an undiagnosed raised lesion. Once the cause is clear, options such as a chemical peel, skin brightening treatment, or picosecond laser treatment may be discussed for suitable pigment, with skin tone and irritation risk considered.

Book a dermatology assessment for a new spot that grows, changes colour or shape, becomes asymmetric, develops an uneven border, crusts, bleeds, or fails to heal. Seek faster care if it is rapidly changing, painful, or associated with a spreading area of inflammation. Cosmetic treatment should wait until diagnosis.

Is this pigment in the surface skin or a raised lesion? Does it need dermoscopic examination or sampling? Which sun protection and products are suitable for my skin tone? If treatment is appropriate, what temporary darkening or lightening should I expect?