I have dark spots on my face: what should I do?

Flat brown or grey areas may be melasma, sun spots, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation left after acne, eczema, a bite, or an injury. A fungal skin condition such as tinea versicolor can also alter colour, although it more often affects the trunk. Pattern, border, scale, itch, timing, medicines, pregnancy, and recent irritation all help distinguish causes. Dark patches on skin that change or are difficult to identify deserve an examination.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning and reapply when outdoors; shade and a hat add protection. Wash with a mild cleanser, moisturise, and stop scrubs, picking, or products that sting. Introduce one pigment-focused product at a time and avoid unlabelled lightening creams, especially those containing undisclosed steroids or mercury. A clinician can recommend skin brightening treatment or discuss a chemical peel or picosecond laser treatment when the diagnosis and skin type make these options suitable. Results take time and maintenance is often needed.

Arrange a dermatology visit if a spot is new, enlarging, changing in colour or border, bleeding, crusting, painful, or unlike your other marks. Seek prompt care for rapid change, spreading redness, swelling, or an associated wound. Do not treat an uncertain spot at home before it has been assessed.

Ask what pattern and examination findings suggest, whether a medication or irritation may be contributing, which ingredients fit your skin, and how to prevent recurrence. Ask what changes should prompt an earlier review.