A blemish describes any discoloration, spot, or mark on the skin. There are different types of blemishes, and each has its own cause. Although most blemishes like acne aren’t a cause for concern and require no treatment, some may signal a more serious condition likeskin cancer.
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Types of Blemishes
A blemish can refer to many different types of marks on the skin. Some blemishes, like acne, may be easy to recognize. For others, you’ll need to check with your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.
Acne
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause blackheads, whiteheads, pimples,nodules, andacne cysts.
When acne breakouts penetrate the skin deeply, they damage the skin and the tissue beneath it.During the healing process, a scar may form based on the amount of collagen produced.
There are twotypes of acne scars:
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation occurs whenmelanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, is produced excessively and forms deposits on the skin. In this condition, patches of skin become darker in color than the surrounding skin.
The most common form of hyperpigmentation isage spots, also known as liver spots. Age spots occur due to sun damage and appear on parts of the body that are usually exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning beds.
Melasma
Melasmais a type of hyperpigmentation that causes brown or blue-gray patches or freckle-like spots on the skin, usually on the face. Most people get it on their cheeks, bridge of their nose, forehead, chin, and above their upper lip.It also can appear on other parts of the body that get lots of sun, such as the forearms and neck.
Birthmarks
A birthmark is an abnormality of the skin that is present at birth. No one knows what causes many types of birthmarks, but some run in families.
There are different types of birthmarks. Vascular birthmarks are made up of blood vessels that haven’t formed properly.They are often red or pink, and are typically found between the eyes or on the back of the neck. Another type called pigmented birthmarks are made of a cluster of pigment cells that cause color in skin. They can be many different colors, from tan to brown, gray to black, or even blue.Molescan be birthmarks, also.
Skin Cancer
There are manytypes of skin cancer, with the three most common being:
Scars
There are different types of scars, including:
Rashes
A rash refers to an area of irritated or inflamed skin.Many rashes are itchy, red, painful, and irritated. Some rashes can lead to blisters or patches of raw skin. Rashes are a symptom of many different medical problems.
A common type of rash iscontact dermatitis. You can get a rash when your skin is exposed to an irritant, such as chemicals, poison ivy or poison oak, or something that you are allergic to.
Other causes of rashes can include:
Treatments
Your healthcare provider can help you find the right treatment based on the type of blemish you have.
Acne Treatment
There are manytreatment optionsfor acne, depending on the type. They include:
Additional treatments may include:
Hyperpigmentation Treatment
For the most part, hyperpigmentation is harmless and does not require treatment. Many people choose to treat their hyperpigmentation for cosmetic reasons. Treatment options can include:
Using retinoids can make the skin extremely sensitive to sunlight. If you use a product that contains retinoids, be sure to always wear sunscreen when you are outdoors.
Melasma Treatment
The first-line treatment for melasma is a skin-lightening cream that contains hydroquinone. To enhance the skin-lightening effects, your dermatologist may also prescribe tretinoin or a corticosteroid. Azelaic acid or kojic acid may also help lighten melasma.
If these medications don’t help you get rid of your melasma, your doctor may recommend a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, laser treatment, or light-based therapies.
Birthmark Removal
Treatment isn’t always required since most birthmarks are harmless and some go away on their own. However, in some cases, moles can increase your risk of skin cancer, so those will need to be monitored to see if they need to be removed. If you want a birthmark removed, laser therapy or surgery can help.
Skin Cancer Procedures
Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type and progression of the disease. Common treatments include:
Minimizing Scars
Treatment for scars will depend on the type, location, size, how it’s affecting you, and your age. Common treatments for scars include:
Topical Treatment for Rash
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you notice a blemish that is growing quickly, changing in size, shape, or color, or is itchy and bleeding, you should make an appointment with healthcare provider right away. These features may be signs of skin cancer. You may see a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or facial plastic surgeon.
Summary
Blemishes refer to anydiscoloration, spot, or mark on your skin. They have many different causes, including acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and birthmarks. Some may be a sign of a serious condition like skin cancer.
If you notice any blemishes that are changing in shape or color, talk to a healthcare provider because these changes can be a sign of skin cancer. You may be referred to a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or facial plastic surgeon for treatment of a blemish.
17 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Acne.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne scars: Who gets and causes.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Hyperpigmentation.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Melasma: Overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Melasma: Who gets & causes.MedlinePlus.Birthmarks.Harvard Health.Vascular birthmarks.Cancer Research UK.Risks and causes of skin cancer.American Academy of Dermatology.Types of skin cancer.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Scars.MedlinePlus.Rashes.University of Michigan Michigan Medicine.Skin rashes: Home treatment.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Acne: Diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.Desai SR.Hyperpigmentation therapy: a review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2024;7(8):13-17.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Melasma: Diagnosis and treatment.NIH. National Cancer Institute.Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version.American Academy of Dermatology.Scars: diagnosis and treatment.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Acne.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Acne scars: Who gets and causes.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Hyperpigmentation.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Melasma: Overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Melasma: Who gets & causes.MedlinePlus.Birthmarks.Harvard Health.Vascular birthmarks.Cancer Research UK.Risks and causes of skin cancer.American Academy of Dermatology.Types of skin cancer.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Scars.MedlinePlus.Rashes.University of Michigan Michigan Medicine.Skin rashes: Home treatment.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Acne: Diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.Desai SR.Hyperpigmentation therapy: a review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2024;7(8):13-17.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Melasma: Diagnosis and treatment.NIH. National Cancer Institute.Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version.American Academy of Dermatology.Scars: diagnosis and treatment.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association.Melasma: Who gets & causes.
MedlinePlus.Birthmarks.
Harvard Health.Vascular birthmarks.
Cancer Research UK.Risks and causes of skin cancer.
American Academy of Dermatology.Types of skin cancer.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Scars.
MedlinePlus.Rashes.
University of Michigan Michigan Medicine.Skin rashes: Home treatment.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Acne: Diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association.Melasma: Diagnosis and treatment.
NIH. National Cancer Institute.Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version.
American Academy of Dermatology.Scars: diagnosis and treatment.
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