What should you know about dark colored spots on skin?

A dark mark can remain after acne, folliculitis, an ingrown hair, scratching, or a picked spot has settled. A raised or tender spot may still be inflamed, while a flat brown mark is often leftover pigment. Location and symptoms matter: shaving areas can develop razor bumps, the central face can develop perioral dermatitis, and flushing or sensitivity can point toward rosacea. A clinician should assess any spot that is changing rather than assuming it is acne.

Cleanse gently, avoid squeezing or picking, and use daily broad-spectrum sun protection on exposed skin to reduce further darkening. Pause fragranced or abrasive products if they sting. Treatment depends on whether the problem is active acne, folliculitis, irritation, or leftover pigment; a clinician may recommend a targeted regimen or discuss LED light therapy for selected acne-related inflammation. Give one approach time to work and stop products that cause burning or worsening redness.

Book a skin assessment for spots that bleed, crust, ulcerate, grow, change shape or color, or differ clearly from nearby marks. Arrange earlier review for a painful spreading rash, pus, marked swelling, or fever. Prompt examination is also sensible when dark spots keep appearing despite stopping a suspected irritant, because the pattern may need a different diagnosis.

Is this an active pimple, follicle inflammation, irritation, or post-inflammatory pigment? Could shaving, cosmetics, or a medication be contributing? What should I use, and which changes require a follow-up examination?