What should you know about dark spots that will not go away?

Pigment may remain after acne, eczema, an insect bite, or an injury has settled. Flat brown patches on sun-exposed skin may fit sun spots, while symmetrical patches on the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip can fit melasma. A fungal condition such as tinea versicolor can create lighter or darker areas, often with fine scale. Darkening that follows irritation can be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Compare the spots with the rest of your skin, noting their shape, surface, distribution, and whether they itch or scale.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin and reapply as directed, because ultraviolet light can deepen pigment. Avoid picking, scrubbing, or using harsh lightening products; irritation can prolong discoloration. Take a clear photograph in consistent lighting so you can track change. A clinician can examine the spots and suggest treatment suited to the cause, which may include a chemical peel, skin brightening treatment, or picosecond laser treatment after diagnosis.

Arrange a skin assessment if a spot is new and changing, has an uneven outline or several colours, bleeds, crusts, becomes painful, or fails to heal. Seek prompt care for rapid change or a dark mark beneath a nail or on another unusual site. Persistent pigment without these warning signs is usually suitable for a routine dermatology visit.

Ask what diagnosis best fits the pattern, whether a medication or skin product could be contributing, which ingredients are appropriate for your skin tone, and how long to try a plan before changing it. Ask how sun protection should fit around any procedure.