A dark spot tells you pigment changed; it does not tell you why. Begin with the event before the mark: a pimple, irritation, friction, picking, a rash, sun exposure or something less clear.
- Notice
- Where is it, when did it appear, and what happened there first?
- Understand
- Different causes can leave similar-looking marks, and deeper skin tones may hold pigment longer after inflammation.
- Try next
- Protect the area from repeated irritation and use daily sun protection while you observe the pattern.