Sun-damaged skin and dark spots: what to know

Repeated ultraviolet exposure can stimulate pigment-producing cells, leaving flat brown or grey-brown areas. These may be sun spots, while patchy facial pigmentation can fit melasma. Photoaging can also bring dryness, fine lines, rough texture, and less even tone. Appearance alone cannot identify every mark. A spot that is new, growing, bleeding, crusting, very dark, or different from the others should be checked, because some skin cancers can resemble an ordinary mark.

Protect the area every day with broad-spectrum sunscreen, shade, clothing, and a hat when practical. Reapply sunscreen as directed, especially after sweating or swimming. Use gentle cleansing and moisturising, and avoid picking or harsh scrubs that can deepen discoloration. A clinician can examine the spots and discuss options such as prescription creams or in-clinic procedures when appropriate. Treatment choice depends on the diagnosis, skin type, location, and whether pigment may return with further exposure.

Arrange a skin assessment for a spot that changes in size, shape, colour, or surface, or for one that repeatedly crusts, bleeds, itches, or does not heal. Seek prompt care for a rapidly changing or painful lesion. Do not assume every dark spot is caused by sun exposure; examination is especially useful when a mark is new or unlike the surrounding spots.

Ask what diagnosis best fits the spots, whether any mark needs closer examination, and which sunscreen and pigment treatment suit your skin. You can also ask how long to try a treatment, what irritation to expect, and how to reduce recurrence.