What should you know about brown circles on skin?

Flat, evenly coloured marks may follow irritation, spots, bites, or a healing rash; this is often called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure can deepen existing pigment and contribute to sun spots. Symmetrical patches on the face may fit melasma. If there is fine scale, mild itch, or lighter and darker areas on the trunk, a clinician may consider tinea versicolor. A mark that is raised, bleeding, painful, or changing needs a closer look rather than a cosmetic assumption.

Take a clear photograph in good light and note when the circles appeared, whether they spread, and whether they itch or scale. Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansing and moisturising, and avoid scrubbing, picking, or unlabelled lightening products. Broad-spectrum sun protection and shade can reduce darkening. A clinician can match treatment to the cause; options may include a Chemical Peel, Skin Brightening Treatment, or Picosecond Laser Treatment after diagnosis and skin-type assessment.

Arrange a dermatology assessment if the marks are new and persistent, multiplying, very itchy, scaly, or located on the face and affecting your confidence. Seek prompt care for rapid change, ulceration, bleeding, marked tenderness, pus, fever, or swelling around the eyes. Do not start a strong peel or laser while the diagnosis is uncertain.

Ask whether the circles look like Melasma, Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, Sun Spots, or Tinea Versicolor; whether any scale or inflammation needs treatment first; and which pigment treatment is appropriate for your skin tone.