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Have Had Scabs On Back Of Ankle. Skin Colour Changed To Dark Purple. Could This Be Melanoma?
Question: Hi Dr Batra,
I had a scab on the back of my ankle a few weeks ago and the scab came off but the area is a dark purple/red color. It has been 3 weeks and I thought it was going away but it looks to be a darker purple now. I also thought it was getting smaller but it may be getting bigger Could this be melanoma? It's flat, a bit smaller than an eraser and is dark purple. I had a skin check about 7 weeks ago but I'm afraid this was missed.
I had a scab on the back of my ankle a few weeks ago and the scab came off but the area is a dark purple/red color. It has been 3 weeks and I thought it was going away but it looks to be a darker purple now. I also thought it was getting smaller but it may be getting bigger Could this be melanoma? It's flat, a bit smaller than an eraser and is dark purple. I had a skin check about 7 weeks ago but I'm afraid this was missed.
Dear patient
Thanks for your query.
It seems you are suffering from post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
After a trauma resulting in a scab, when the scab falls down dark pigmentation is a common phenomenon.
This shout subside very slowly over few weeks.
The treatment of such lesions involve mild topical steroids and at times hydroquinone preparations but only after consultation with a dermatologist.
If things don't settle down then only a skin biopsy can give more insights in the lesion.
Regards
Dr.Rohit
Thanks for your query.
It seems you are suffering from post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
After a trauma resulting in a scab, when the scab falls down dark pigmentation is a common phenomenon.
This shout subside very slowly over few weeks.
The treatment of such lesions involve mild topical steroids and at times hydroquinone preparations but only after consultation with a dermatologist.
If things don't settle down then only a skin biopsy can give more insights in the lesion.
Regards
Dr.Rohit
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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