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Estimate your lifetime UVârelated skin risk profile based on sensitivity, sunburn history, tanning habits, and family history. Use it to guide smarter sunâprotectionânot as a diagnosis.
Melanoma is a dangerous skin cancer that develops from melanocytesâthe cells that produce the pigment melanin. Hyperpigmentation refers to benign dark spots or patches caused by excess pigment production, including sun spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Both conditions are influenced by UV exposure, but they have very different implications. Melanoma can be life-threatening and requires early detection, while hyperpigmentation primarily affects appearance and serves as a visible marker of chronic sun damage.
Check your moles and spots for these warning signs:
If you notice any of these, see a dermatologist promptly. Early detection saves lives.
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. However, when caught early, it's highly treatable.
Hyperpigmentation occurs when certain areas of skin produce more melanin than surrounding areas, creating darker patches or spots. While not dangerous, it affects millions of people and can significantly impact self-esteem.
UV exposure triggers melanocytes to produce more melanin as a protective response. When this process goes into overdrive or becomes uneven, hyperpigmentation results. Contributing factors include:
There's a dangerous myth that dark skin doesn't need sun protection. While melanin provides some natural SPF (roughly 13.4 in the darkest skin), this isn't enough to prevent:
Bob Marley died from acral melanoma that started under his toenail. The myth that Black skin doesn't get skin cancer contributed to late diagnosis.
The same sun protection habits reduce risk for both melanoma and hyperpigmentation:
If you already have dark spots, several treatments can help:
Critical: Any treatment will fail without consistent sun protection. UV exposure will trigger more pigment production, undoing treatment results.
No. Only a trained clinician using a full skin exam and, if needed, a biopsy can diagnose melanoma or other skin cancers. This tool is designed to highlight patterns of UV exposure and family history that increase riskânot to detect cancer. Any concerning spots should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Yes. Darker skin has more natural UV protection against sunburn, but melanoma can still occurâand it's often diagnosed later because people don't expect it. Darker skin is also more prone to hyperpigmentation from UV exposure. Consistent SPF, shade, and regular skin checks are important for all skin tones.
Normal moles are usually uniform in color, round or oval, with smooth borders, and stay stable over time. Melanoma often shows ABCDE warning signs: Asymmetry, irregular Borders, multiple Colors, large Diameter, and Evolving changes. Any mole that changes should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Sun spots (hyperpigmentation) themselves don't turn into cancerâthey're a sign of melanin overproduction, not cancerous cells. However, the UV damage that causes hyperpigmentation also increases skin cancer risk. Any spot that changes in appearance should be checked by a dermatologist.
Yes. Research shows that just 5 blistering sunburns between ages 15-20 increases melanoma risk by 80%. Each severe sunburn causes significant DNA damage. While your body repairs most damage, accumulated mutations over time can lead to cancer. Prevention is critical.
Yes. Tanning beds emit concentrated UVA rays that penetrate deeply and trigger melanin production, worsening hyperpigmentation. They also dramatically increase melanoma riskâusing tanning beds before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 75%. Avoid them completely.
Yes. Acral melanoma develops on palms, soles, and under nailsâareas with less sun exposure. Mucosal melanoma can occur in mouth, nasal passages, and genital areas. These types are more common in people with darker skin and show that genetics play a role beyond UV exposure.
Do a thorough self-exam monthly. Learn your moles and spots so you notice changes. See a dermatologist annually if you have risk factors (many moles, family history, fair skin, history of sunburns). Report any rapidly changing spots immediatelyâdon't wait for your annual exam.