Black spots appearing on the face: what to know

Flat brown, grey, or black marks may be excess pigment left after a pimple, irritation, picking, shaving, or sun exposure. Tiny dark plugs within pores can be open comedones. Raised, rough, crusted, or irregular spots belong to a different group and cannot be identified reliably from colour alone.

Notice whether each mark is flat or raised, smooth or scaly, and whether several appeared after inflammation. Acne commonly presents with comedones and inflamed pimples, while folliculitis presents with bumps centred around hair follicles; either process can leave darker marks as it settles.

Use a gentle cleanser, avoid squeezing or scraping, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed skin. Pause any new product that burns or causes a rash. Take a clear photograph in similar lighting and note changes in border, colour, surface, or size. A pharmacist or clinician can help select products if active pimples or shaving irritation are present; strong bleaching products near inflamed skin may worsen discolouration.

Arrange a skin examination if one spot is new and changing, has uneven colour or an irregular edge, repeatedly crusts or bleeds, does not heal, or differs noticeably from your other marks. Seek prompt care for rapidly spreading redness, marked swelling, pus with worsening pain, fever, or a spot near the eye accompanied by eye symptoms. These features guide urgency; colour by itself does not establish a diagnosis.

Ask whether the marks are pigment within flat skin, material in pores, or separate growths; whether acne, shaving, medication, or a skin product could be contributing; and which treatment is suitable for your skin tone. Mention when the first spot appeared, any itching or bleeding, and products already tried.