What should you know about white and brown spots on skin?

A white spot may reflect reduced pigment after irritation or inflammation, while a brown spot may follow inflammation, sun exposure, or another pigment change. If spots are raised, rough, itchy, or centred on a follicle, the cause may be different from a flat colour change. Pimples, folliculitis, acne, hormonal acne, perioral dermatitis, razor bumps, and rosacea can leave or accompany marks, but appearance alone cannot identify one condition.

Take a clear photograph in consistent light and note when each spot appeared, whether it followed a rash, shaving, a new product, or sun exposure, and whether it is spreading. Use gentle cleansing, avoid picking or scrubbing, and protect exposed skin from sunlight with clothing or a suitable sunscreen. Do not apply bleaching, steroid, or antibiotic products without advice, because the wrong product can irritate skin or alter the appearance being assessed. LED light therapy is not a universal treatment for unexplained white or brown spots.

See a dermatologist if spots are new and persistent, multiplying, changing in shape or colour, bleeding, painful, very itchy, scaly, or associated with hair loss or a spreading rash. Prompt assessment is sensible for a rapidly changing or markedly different spot, particularly when its borders or colour are uneven.

Ask whether the spots are pigment changes, post-inflammatory marks, or follicle-related lesions; whether examination or testing is needed; and which products should be stopped before treatment.