Spot on Arm

[AngelM15]

I am 36 years old and have always tended to freckle easily (esp on the arms). About 2 weeks ago I noticed that a freckle on my arm seemed to have a reddish tint to it. It had also developed what appeared to be a flake of dry skin over it. This spot almost looks like where a scab has healed, but I have had no injury there. I feel what appears to be a rough dry patch when I run my finger over it. It is about 1/2 the size of a pencil eraser. It has not even begun to go away so I've made an appointment with a dermatologist for next week. In the meantime I am really worrying over the thought this might be a skin cancer. Any advice? Thanks.

[AngelM15]

Thank you for your reply. There is no itching at all. It did form on/around a freckle.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi.

I know you are worried about this.  You have mentioned that the area is scaly and a little reddish? Is this itchy?

At this point, let us not jump into conclusions. There are far more common skin conditions which may present with this aside from skin cancer. Fungal infections and a dermatitis are differentials here. Fungal infections may present with a reddish patch of skin with fine scales on the area. Dermatitis may likewise present similarly but is usually itchy.

Refrain from picking on the area. Just try to observe the involved skin and see if there is an increase in the size of the redness and the scaling. Skin cancer usually presents with hyperpigmentation eg very dark moles which may change in character ( size, color and irregular borders).In your case you have not mentioned of moles and highly pigmented areas .

So let us await the results of your consultation. Just stay positive