Weird Skin Changes That Won’t Go Away

[eric]

I had these stubborn spots in the arms and neck. Its not painful, just hard and a little darker of my normal skin. Creased and suddenly joined no difference, and that doesn't waste, that makes it harder to understand. I can't say if it's some environment, stress or maybe even diet.
Anyone experienced something like that did not match the usual "box or irritation" box?

 

[sara]

That does sound frustrating — especially since the spots aren’t behaving like typical rashes or irritation. Hard, slightly darker patches on the arms or neck can come from a few different causes, some of which aren’t immediately obvious:

Hyperpigmentation from friction or pressure — sometimes areas that rub against clothing or skin folds thicken and darken over time.

Acanthosis nigricans — this causes velvety, darker patches and is sometimes linked to insulin resistance, hormonal changes, or even certain medications.

Chronic low-grade inflammation — even mild skin inflammation can leave lingering discoloration or texture changes without obvious pain or itching.

Environmental triggers — exposure to chemicals, harsh soaps, or even sweat buildup can slowly alter skin texture.


Since it’s persistent and doesn’t fit the usual “irritation” profile, it might be worth having a dermatologist check whether it’s purely a surface-level skin change or something connected to an underlying condition.

Have you noticed whether these spots are spreading or staying in fixed areas? And do they change when you’re under stress or after certain foods?

 

[khanyi]

I had patches like that too, not itchy or sore but just sit there and don’t fade. For me it was stress mixed with not drinking enough water, dermatologist said sometimes it’s just skin thickening or mild pigmentation changes.
Did yours start suddenly or has it been creeping up over time?

 

[maphoka]

When my uncle noticed patches on arms and neck that kept showing up. They were not painful, just darker and thicker than the rest of the skin. Lotions and random creams didn’t really change them, and they never peeled or faded. The confusion was whether it came from sun, friction with clothes, stress, or even food. Weeks passed and the spots stayed the same, leaving more questions than answers. Some say such marks can be from hormones or insulin issues, others think it’s dry skin or fungal. When patches don’t go away and keep spreading, only a proper skin check can tell the real cause.