tiny black "freckles" that will come off, if picked

by Carla
(Toronto, Ontario)

I seem to have numerous "freckles" all over, but most noticeably around my chest, neck, shoulders, etc.. and I have tried to remove one, which left a hole after it finally healed. I thought this was a blackhead after realizing it wasn't a freckle, tried to remove it in a most sanitary way (with rubbing alcohol soaked tweezers) and cotton, put a cortozoid cream on afterward - but there are thousands of them! These tiny ones on my neck look as if there is a black pin-hole sized center - and are slightly raised. How worried should I be? They don't change if I leave them alone, however I never had this issue before and now that I am approaching my late 40's I am very concerned.

Help!

SBI!