What should you know about dark eye spots?

A flat brown mark may follow a pimple, rash, shaving irritation, or sun exposure. A spot with a bump, scale, tenderness, or pus may represent an active process rather than pigment alone. Conditions such as [Acne](/conditions/acne/), [Folliculitis](/conditions/folliculitis/), [Perioral Dermatitis](/conditions/perioral-dermatitis/), or [Rosacea](/conditions/rosacea/) can leave or accompany marks. Skin close to the eye is delicate, and a dark area should not be diagnosed from colour alone.

Take a clear photograph in consistent lighting and note whether the spot is flat, itchy, scaly, painful, or changing. Use gentle cleansing, avoid squeezing or scrubbing, and protect the surrounding skin from sun. Keep acids, retinoids, peroxide, and lightening products away from the eyelid unless a clinician specifically directs their use. If bumps are present, read about [Pimples](/symptoms/pimples/) and ask whether [LED Light Therapy](/treatments/laser-and-energy/led-light-therapy/) is appropriate; treatment depends on the diagnosis.

Arrange prompt assessment if a spot changes quickly, bleeds, crusts repeatedly, becomes painful, develops marked redness or swelling, or affects vision. Seek urgent care for eye pain, sudden vision change, severe swelling, or injury. A persistent new mark, especially one that cannot be linked to irritation, should be examined rather than repeatedly treated at home.

Is this pigment, an active bump, irritation, or another lesion? Should the area be examined with magnification? Which ingredients are safe near my eyes, and how can I prevent the mark from becoming darker?