Ever wondered if the black spot after getting a pencil stuck under your skin as a kid is lead? Dr Kunal Sood explains

Pencil 'lead' is actually graphite, a non-toxic form of carbon, not the element lead.

A broken-off piece of graphite trapped under the skin can leave a permanent grey or blue spot called a graphite tattoo.

Graphite tattoos typically stay in the deeper skin layer for years without causing health problems or lead poisoning.

The main health risk after a pencil injury is bacterial infection from the puncture wound.

Rarely, retained graphite can cause a foreign body granuloma; any new redness, swelling, or changes should be evaluated by a doctor.