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What Causes Brown Patches On The Arms?
Question: Do these patches on both my arms look like something i need to have looked at or does it just like age spots or sun spots. Its been like that for several years
Brief Answer:
Here is what you can look for to identify a problematic nevus.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HealthcareMagic,
I read your question carefully and I've reviewed the photos.
The brown patches you have are not of something to worry about. They have appeared because of the skin damage from the sun over the years. One of them is a nevus that needs to be looked at.
These are the characteristics to look for problematic naevi, so you can examine yourself:
1) Size- every hyper pigmented patch over 0.5 cm
2) Symmetry- If the patch can be folded in your mind then it is symmetric and that is ok
3) Color and raised above the skin- If a patch has more then one color, usually the dark ones, and if the surface is not smooth.
4) Satelite patches around the big one, and changes in the form of them.
So this is what a doctor looks for to determine if the patch needs dermatoscopy or even removal.
I would suggest that if you have any that applies to the characteristics above, take a photo with a ruler on top and check if it has changed in 1 month, 2 months and so on.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Here is what you can look for to identify a problematic nevus.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HealthcareMagic,
I read your question carefully and I've reviewed the photos.
The brown patches you have are not of something to worry about. They have appeared because of the skin damage from the sun over the years. One of them is a nevus that needs to be looked at.
These are the characteristics to look for problematic naevi, so you can examine yourself:
1) Size- every hyper pigmented patch over 0.5 cm
2) Symmetry- If the patch can be folded in your mind then it is symmetric and that is ok
3) Color and raised above the skin- If a patch has more then one color, usually the dark ones, and if the surface is not smooth.
4) Satelite patches around the big one, and changes in the form of them.
So this is what a doctor looks for to determine if the patch needs dermatoscopy or even removal.
I would suggest that if you have any that applies to the characteristics above, take a photo with a ruler on top and check if it has changed in 1 month, 2 months and so on.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
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. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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