What should you know about dark spots on body?

Flat brown or grey marks after bites, spots, shaving irritation, or a rash fit post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sun spots tend to occur on areas that receive sunlight. Tinea versicolor can cause multiple patches with fine scale, sometimes with itch or colour variation. Melasma is another pigment condition with a characteristic pattern. The body area, timing, texture, and symptoms are more useful than darkness alone.

Check whether marks are symmetrical, clustered around folds, related to clothing or hair removal, or appearing alongside redness. Avoid diagnosing from photographs alone, particularly when the surface is changing.

Cleanse without scrubbing, moisturise dry areas, and stop any product that burns or causes a rash. Reduce friction from tight clothing and avoid picking at bumps. Cover exposed skin and use sunscreen. If a rash is active, it needs appropriate treatment before pigment-fading care. Depending on the diagnosis and skin tone, a dermatologist may discuss skin brightening treatment, a chemical peel, or picosecond laser treatment, with realistic expectations and follow-up.

Arrange an appointment if marks are widespread, recurring, unexplained, or not improving, or if they have scale, pain, persistent itch, crusting, bleeding, or a raised component. Seek prompt review when one spot changes in shape, border, or colour, or grows noticeably. A clinician can examine the area and decide whether testing or treatment is needed before any cosmetic procedure.

What features suggest pigment after inflammation rather than an active rash? Could friction, hair removal, or a product be contributing? What should I use daily, and which treatment is safest for the location and my skin tone?