dark spots

Hi
I've recently started getting dark brown/black spots on my upper stomach, upper arms and armpits.
I'm 52 years old and have never had this problem before. The spots have increased in number over the past 4 months.
They don't itch, hurt or bleed and are not raised.
The spots range in size from 1mm to 10mm in diameter.
I'm quite worried that this may be a sign of an underlying problem.
I have been to my GP and she doesn't know what it could be.

HELP!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These symptoms can be due to senile lentigo or pityriasis rosea. Pityriasis rosea is a common human skin disease which presents as numerous patches of pink or red oval rash. The rash may be accompanied by low-grade headache, fever, nausea and fatigue and sometimes by itching.

To confirm the diagnosis, get it checked from a dermatologist.
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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.