A small brown mark that appeared overnight, a darker area that persists or a lesion that seems to be evolving: these skin changes are among the most common reasons for consultation with dermatologists. On Instagram, dermatologist Marie Jourdan recalled that a simple spot can cover very different medical realities.
Why a spot on the skin can correspond to several diseases
In her video, Dr. Marie Jourdan cites several possible diagnoses: “melasma, brown scar, keratosis…“These conditions have one thing in common: they can all manifest as abnormal coloring of the skin.
Melasma often appears under the influence of hormones and sun exposure. Hyperpigmented scars occur after inflammation, injury or pimples. As for seborrheic keratosis, it is a benign growth frequently observed with age.
The problem is that to the naked eye, these lesions can sometimes appear similar even though their mechanisms are completely different. According to Dr. Jourdan, their diagnoses and treatments “have nothing to do“.
The dangers of self-diagnosis when faced with a new task
The Internet is full of photos and testimonials supposed to help identify a skin abnormality. However, comparing your skin to images found online can lead to mistakes.
A dermatologist has specific tools such as dermoscopy, which allows you to observe structures invisible to the naked eye. In some situations, a biopsy may also be necessary to confirm the exact nature of the lesion.
The same brown spot can thus correspond to benign hyperpigmentation, seborrheic keratosis or another condition requiring special monitoring.
Melasma, scar or keratosis: totally different treatments
Among all its diagnoses, the treatments differ greatly:
- Melasma often requires rigorous sun protection and depigmenting treatments;
- The hyperpigmented scar may require an approach aimed at correcting the residual pigmentation;
- Seborrheic keratosis is usually benign but can be removed when it becomes bothersome or unsightly.
This diversity explains why dermatologists insist on the need to establish a diagnosis before any treatment attempt. A solution adapted to a scar may prove useless in the face of melasma, while another approach will be indicated for keratosis.
Faced with the appearance of a new spot on the skin, a medical examination therefore remains the most reliable way to identify its origin and choose the most appropriate treatment.