What causes dark patches on skin?

Flat brown marks that remain after acne, eczema, insect bites, or irritation may be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Melasma often appears as larger, fairly even patches on the face and can be influenced by hormonal shifts and light exposure. Sun spots tend to develop on areas that receive repeated sun exposure. Tinea versicolor is a yeast-related skin condition that can create lighter or darker patches, sometimes with fine scale.

Colour alone cannot identify the cause. Notice whether the area is scaly, itchy, inflamed, changing, or confined to sites of previous irritation. A clinician may examine the surface and distribution before suggesting treatment.

Use broad-spectrum sun protection on exposed skin, avoid picking or scrubbing, and stop products that sting or inflame the area. Keep a simple record of when the patch appeared and any new medication, cosmetic, hair-removal method, or rash that came before it.

Treatment depends on the cause. Options can include care for melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun spots, or tinea versicolor, followed by a clinician-guided choice such as a Chemical Peel, Skin Brightening Treatment, Picosecond Laser Treatment, or Hydroquinone Treatment.

Arrange a dermatology assessment if a patch changes quickly, bleeds, crusts, becomes painful, or develops an irregular border or several different colours. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever. Also book an appointment when patches persist despite gentle care or when you are unsure whether scale represents an infection.

Could this be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, a sun spot, or tinea versicolor? Which ingredients or procedures suit my skin tone? How should I protect the area from light, and what changes should prompt a review?