Pigmentation and melasma at a Glance
Most common causes
- Sun exposure
- Melasma (hormonal)
- Marks after acne or injury
- Skin irritation
- Wrong products
When to seek medical attention
- Spreading or worsening pigmentation
- Marks not fading
- A spot that changes in size, shape or colour (get checked)
- Pigmentation affecting confidence
- Reaction to skin products
Specialist: Dr Syed Adam Mousum · Dermatology
What is Pigmentation and melasma?
Pigmentation refers to dark spots, patches or uneven tone on the skin, caused by excess melanin (the skin's colour pigment). Common forms include sun-related darkening, melasma (often hormonal, seen on the cheeks and forehead), and marks left behind after acne or injury. Our strong sunlight can worsen many of these. Pigmentation is usually harmless but can be persistent, and safe treatment exists. A dermatologist is important because the wrong creams can sometimes make pigmentation worse.
Common Causes
Sun-related Pigmentation
- • Darkening on sun-exposed areas
- • Worsens without sun protection
Melasma
- • Symmetrical brown patches on cheeks/forehead
- • Often linked to hormones
- • Worsens with sun
Post-acne / Post-injury Marks
- • Dark marks where pimples or injuries healed
- • Fade slowly
Product or Irritation-related
- • Darkening after irritation or harsh products
Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
- ▸ Pigmentation that is spreading or worsening
- ▸ Marks that are not fading on their own
- ▸ A mole or spot that changes in size, shape or colour (always get this checked)
- ▸ Pigmentation after using a skin product
- ▸ Patches affecting your confidence
- ▸ Pigmentation you are unsure about
How Doctors Evaluate Pigmentation and melasma
Your consultation may include: examination of the type, depth and pattern of pigmentation, a history of sun exposure, products and (for women) hormonal factors, and a closer skin examination when needed. This guides safe, effective treatment and rules out anything that needs separate attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pigmentation and melasma Care in Guwahati
Patients from GS Road, Beltola, Dispur, Six Mile, Ganeshguri, Christian Basti, Maligaon and Hengrabari can consult our Dermatology specialist at Healthwrx. Safe, expert skin care close to home.
Related Pages
Common Questions
When should pigmentation be checked by a dermatologist?
When it is spreading, not fading, follows a product reaction, or if a mole or spot changes in size, shape or colour.
Which doctor treats pigmentation and dark spots?
A dermatologist diagnoses and treats pigmentation, melasma and dark spots.
Can dark spots be treated safely?
Yes. With dermatologist-guided treatment and sun protection, most pigmentation can be safely improved.