What should you know about random dark spots on body?

A spot may become darker after a bite, rash, wound, shaving irritation, or a blemish heals. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and may fade gradually. Sun-exposed areas can develop sun spots, while melasma often creates broader, fairly even patches on the face. Tinea versicolor can alter skin colour and may come with fine scale, especially on the trunk. Colour alone cannot identify the cause; location, texture, scale, timing, and change over time matter.

Record when each mark appeared and whether it is flat, scaly, itchy, tender, or changing. Take a clear photograph in consistent light. Use broad-spectrum sun protection on exposed skin, avoid picking or harsh scrubbing, and stop a new product that seems to irritate the area. A clinician can distinguish pigment from an active rash and discuss options such as a chemical peel, skin brightening treatment, or picosecond laser treatment when appropriate.

Arrange a dermatology assessment if a spot changes quickly, has an uneven outline or several colours, bleeds, crusts, becomes painful, or fails to heal. Seek prompt care for widespread darkening with illness, blistering, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty. New marks after a medicine or significant sun exposure also deserve medical review.

Ask whether the marks look like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun spots, or tinea versicolor; whether a close skin examination is enough; and which treatment is suitable for your skin tone and the spot's cause.