What should you know about light dark spots on skin?

A faint brown patch may reflect extra pigment after acne, eczema, a bite, or another irritation. Sun spots tend to occur on repeatedly exposed areas, while melasma often forms broader, fairly symmetrical patches on the face. Tinea versicolor can create lighter or darker areas with fine scale, especially on the trunk.

Colour alone cannot identify the cause. A clinician may ask about sun exposure, new products, medicines, pregnancy or hormonal changes, previous inflammation, itch, and scale. The pattern helps distinguish a pigment change from an active rash.

Take a clear photograph in consistent lighting and note whether the spots are spreading, scaly, itchy, or linked to a recent rash. Use gentle skincare and daily broad-spectrum sun protection; avoid picking and unlabelled bleaching products, which can irritate skin and deepen pigmentation.

Treatment depends on the cause. Options may include treatment for the underlying rash, a Chemical Peel, Skin Brightening Treatment, or Picosecond Laser Treatment. These procedures are not interchangeable, and pigment-prone skin needs careful selection and aftercare.

Book a medical assessment for a new patch that changes quickly, develops several colours, bleeds, crusts, becomes painful, or fails to heal. Seek earlier review when spots are widespread, associated with significant itch or scale, or appear after a new medicine. Urgent care is appropriate for facial swelling or blistering after a product.

Ask what features point to pigment change, infection, or another rash; whether testing is needed; and which treatments are safe for your skin tone. Ask how long improvement may take, what sun protection is required, and how recurrence will be reduced.