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Dark spots and melasma

Also called: Melasma, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, age spots

Brown or gray-brown patches or spots on the skin, often on the face. They come from sun, hormones, or past pimples and injuries, and fade with sun protection and treatment.

TypeExtra skin pigment
Melasma common inWomen, pregnancy, darker skin
Key treatmentDaily sunscreen

Overview

Melasma makes even patches on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. Post-inflammatory spots follow acne or injury.

Sun makes all dark spots darker.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Dark spots or patches on the skin

Less common

  • Patches on cheeks or upper lip

Look up a symptom: Dark spots or patches on the skin

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayA spot that bleeds or grows fast.
See a doctor soonA dark spot that's new, changing, or uneven.

Causes

Sun, hormones, pregnancy, birth control, and skin inflammation.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Darker skin
  • Pregnancy

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional looks at the pattern.

Questions you may be asked

  • Pregnancy, birth control, sun

The exam

A skin check.

Treatment

Sun protection is the most important step.

Self-care

  • Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every day, tinted with iron oxide for melasma
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat
  • Don't pick at pimples

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Lightening creams
Dark patchesUse as directed; not in pregnancy without asking.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Peels or lasers may help; some can make melasma worse.

Prevention

To prevent spots:

  • Daily sunscreen

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Pregnancy: Melasma often fades after birth.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Spots fade with time and protection.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Dark spots and melasma

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.