What should you know about melanin dark spots?

Pigment can increase after inflammation, repeated sun exposure, hormonal changes, or a superficial fungal condition. Melasma often forms broader facial patches; Sun Spots tend to occur on exposed areas; Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation follows a healed spot, rash, burn, or procedure. Tinea Versicolor can create lighter or darker areas with fine scale, especially on the trunk.

Colour alone cannot identify the cause. Note when the mark began, whether it is flat or raised, whether it itches or scales, and whether its border, shape, or shade is changing. A clinician may examine the surface and surrounding skin before recommending a lightening product or procedure.

Use shade, protective clothing, and broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin. Avoid picking spots and pause products that sting or repeatedly inflame the area. Take occasional photographs in similar lighting so gradual changes are easier to describe, while remembering that an image cannot replace examination.

Treatment depends on the cause and may include Chemical Peel, Skin Brightening Treatment, or Picosecond Laser Treatment. These options can irritate skin and may worsen pigment if used for the wrong diagnosis or without suitable aftercare, so discuss skin tone, previous reactions, and realistic goals first.

Arrange a dermatology review for a spot that is new and changing, asymmetrical, irregular at the edge, uneven in colour, bleeding, crusting, painful, or persistently itchy. Seek advice for widespread pigment change, rapid new patches, or marks with scaling that do not settle. Do not cover a concerning lesion with repeated cosmetic treatments before it is examined.

What is the most likely cause of these spots? Do any need closer examination? Which daily products should I stop or continue? Would treatment risk darker marks in my skin? How will we monitor a changing area?