Brown Spots?

I was on vacation for a week and 3 days after coming home, I noticed brown spots on my inner thighs.  It looked like a rash, but no itching or pain.  The spots still look a faded brown.

I went to the dermatologist and he said it was lentigo (freckles) caused because of sun exposure.  He said they are nothing to worry about, that they are not cancerous or precancerous.  I've been in the sun before and never had this happen to me.  Atleast not this noticeable.  

I have a history of dysplastic nevus, and have had them removed.  Should I get a second opinion?  Are these really new freckles?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is very unlikely for dysplastic nevus to appear all of a sudden. These brown spots can be due to solar lentigo. Lentigo are flat brown lesions which do not darken following sun exposure and what you are having may be solar lentigo which is less than 5mm in diameter and irregular in shape but they may merge to form larger spots.
It is very difficult to tell the difference between a benign and malignant one with a naked eye or a dermascope. However a biopsy is the best method to differentiate between the two especially if there is any increase in size or changes in color or texture of skin.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[baltazar06]

Dr. Bhupinder,

Thank you for your insight on this.  I have an appointment with a dermatologist in 5 days.  Hopefully a biopsy will be made and I will find out exactly what these spots are.

I will keep you posted.

Thank you