What should you know about skin care for dark spots?

Dark spots are areas where the skin contains more visible pigment. They may follow acne, eczema, injury, or another inflammation, or reflect melasma and sun spots. A fungal condition such as tinea versicolor can also change skin colour. Location, pattern, scale, symptoms, and timing help a clinician decide what is happening; colour alone is not enough for a diagnosis.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen as directed and consider hats or shade for exposed areas. Cleanse gently, moisturise, and avoid picking, bleaching mixtures, or products that burn. Treat the underlying cause first when inflammation or infection is present. Once the diagnosis is established, a clinician may discuss a chemical peel, skin brightening treatment, or picosecond laser treatment, with the plan adjusted for your skin tone and pigment risk.

Arrange an assessment for a new unexplained patch, rapid change, bleeding, crusting, persistent itch, pain, or a mark that looks unlike the others. Seek care if pigment spreads with scaling or irritation, or if home products cause swelling or blistering. Stop the product and obtain advice when a treatment causes ongoing burning.

What is the most likely cause of these spots? Should inflammation or infection be treated first? Which option has the lowest irritation risk for my skin tone?