blemishes

Blemishes are marks or flaws that affect the appearance of a surface or object. In everyday usage, skin blemishes refer to small marks on the complexion, while blemishes on textiles, metal, or paper are defects such as stains, scratches, or discolorations.

In dermatology, skin blemishes range from benign cosmetic features to signs of underlying conditions. Common cosmetic blemishes include freckles, moles, birthmarks, age spots, and acne-related marks such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring. Not every skin mark qualifies as a blemish; some marks are natural variations of skin tone, while others may indicate health concerns that require medical evaluation, particularly if a lesion changes in size, border, color, or texture.

Causes and appearance: Blemishes arise from sun exposure, hormonal changes, aging, genetics, inflammation, or injury. They can be categorized by appearance as pigmented blemishes (dark spots), vascular blemishes (red or purple marks), or textural blemishes (roughness or indentations).

Diagnosis and management: Most blemishes are harmless. A clinician should be consulted if a lesion changes rapidly or looks suspicious for skin cancer. Treatments vary with type and severity and may include topical therapies (retinoids, lightening agents), sunscreen and sun protection, and cosmetic concealment. Dermatologic procedures for more persistent issues include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser therapy, and microneedling.

Prevention: Protective measures such as sun avoidance and broad-spectrum sunscreen, a gentle skincare routine, avoiding picking or squeezing blemishes, and timely treatment of skin inflammation can reduce new blemish formation.

See also: acne, hyperpigmentation, scar, birthmark.