Changes in skin color can occur for many reasons. The skin may appear temporarily blotchy due to being hot or blushing. In other cases, discoloration can signal a health condition.

Several factors influence the appearance of skin color, including pigmentation and inflammation.

Changes in melanin, which is the pigment that gives the skin its color, may make patches of skin appear lighter or darker. Similarly, skin damage, inflammatory conditions, and other factors can affect skin health, which may alter its appearance.

This article explores the various causes of discolored skin patches and explains which of them require treatment. It also discusses when to consider speaking with a healthcare professional.

Double Exposure Of Woman Against Sky dealing with discolored skinShare on Pinterest
Michael Kuby/EyeEm/Getty Images

Discolored skin patches have many different causes, including:

We look at each one of these in more detail below.

Birthmarks

Birthmarks are marks on the skin that people have when they are born or that appear shortly afterwards. Some types of birthmark fade over time, while others may be permanent.

Birthmarks are either vascular or pigmented. Vascular birthmarks are often red, but can appear pink or purple. They occur due to blood vessels in the skin.

Types of vascular birthmark include:

  • Strawberry nevus: This mark is a red bump or patch, also known as a hemangioma. A strawberry nevus does not usually require treatment and typically disappears by 7 years of age. However, some hemangiomas might need treatment if they interfere with breathing, feeding, or vision.
  • Salmon patch or stork bite: Also called a nevus simplex, this flat red or pink patch of skin can occur on the neck, forehead, or eyelids.
  • Port wine stain: This is a flat red or purple birthmark. Some people with port wine stains may want treatment, which might include laser treatment or cosmetic camouflage.

Pigmented birthmarks are generally white, brown, black, blue, or gray. They result from a problem with pigment cells in the skin, which give the skin color.

Types of pigmented birthmark include:

  • Slate gray nevi: These are blue or gray patches that may be present on the back, shoulders, or buttocks at birth. They often fade as the child grows.
  • Café-au-lait spot: These typically appear as light brown skin patches. Café-au-lait spots are often oval-shaped.
  • Moles: These are black, brown, or pink spots. They are usually not harmful, but it is best to see a doctor if a mole changes shape, size, or texture.

Skin pigmentation disorders

If a person has lighter or darker skin patches, this may signify a skin pigmentation disorder. Type of skin pigmentation disorder include:

  • Melasma: This is a common type of hyperpigmentation that usually affects skin that gets sun exposure. UV light and hormonal changes may be triggers.
  • Vitiligo: Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that causes the cells that produce melanin, known as melanocytes, to stop working as they usually do. This results in patches of lighter skin. Sometimes, vitiligo will also change a person’s hair color.
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation: This is a temporary increase or decrease in skin pigment following skin damage or inflammation, such as a blister or burn.

Skin rashes

Some types of skin rash can also cause patches of discolored skin. These include:

  • Contact dermatitis: This rash happens when the skin reacts to an irritant or allergen, causing dryness or itchiness.
  • Rosacea: This is a chronic skin condition that causes patches of dry, inflamed, or swollen skin. It can affect the forehead, cheeks, and nose.
  • Psoriasis: This is an autoimmune skin condition that causes inflamed, flaky patches of skin, which can appear anywhere on the body.
  • Eczema: Also known as atopic dermatitis, this condition causes itchy and dry patches of skin. These patches may sometimes crack or ooze. The cause of eczema is not fully understood.

Skin infections

Certain skin infections may also cause discoloration, such as:

  • Tinea versicolor: Also known as pityriasis versicolor, this is a fungal skin infection that can cause patches of skin to become lighter or darker. These patches usually develop slowly and can sometimes merge to form larger patches. Tinea versicolor tends to affect the trunk, neck, and upper arms.
  • Ringworm: Also known as tinea, this is a fungal skin infection that causes red, silver, brown, or gray ring-shaped patches of skin. These patches may be scaly, dry, or itchy. Ringworm can appear on most parts of the body, including the scalp, groin, feet, hands, and nails.
  • Candidiasis of the skin: This is a fungal skin infection that causes itchy skin patches. It often occurs in areas where the skin folds, such as the armpits and groin.

Skin cancers

In rare cases, skin cancer can cause patches of discoloration. Types of skin cancer include:

  • Actinic keratosis: While not a type of skin cancer, actinic keratosis are dry, scaly, precancerous skin patches. Without treatment, actinic keratosis may progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Basal cell carcinoma: These are often flesh-colored, pearl-like, pink skin patches or bumps. However, they may also appear brown or pink. Basal cell carcinomas are the most common form of skin cancer.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma: These are often red, brown, or gray bumps, sores, or scaly patches, which may heal and then re-open. Squamous cell carcinomas are the second most common type of skin cancer.
  • Melanoma: This cancer may develop in existing moles or appear as new dark spots. However, it can also appear as pink spots. Melanomas are the most severe form of skin cancer, and early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial.

Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions, including the following, may cause discolored patches of skin:

  • Cyanosis: Insufficient oxygen in the blood can cause the skin and lips to appear blue or purple. Cyanosis that occurs suddenly could be a sign of a problem with the heart, lungs, or airways. This is a medical emergency, and a person should seek immediate medical attention.
  • Lupus: This is a complex autoimmune condition that can cause different skin symptoms based on the type of lupus and presentation of the condition.

Diabetes can also cause changes in the skin, such as:

  • yellow, reddish, or brown patches of skin
  • dark, velvety patches of skin
  • thick, hard patches of skin
  • blisters
  • shin spots

Other causes

If discolored skin patches appear suddenly and then disappear, there may be a simple explanation. Some causes of temporary patches or blotches on the skin include:

  • blushing
  • exercising
  • sunburn
  • hot or windy weather
  • hot flashes

If a new patch of discolored skin appears and does not go away, it is best to contact a doctor. It is also important to seek medical attention if a mole changes size, shape, or texture.

To diagnose discolored patches of skin, a doctor may ask the individual about:

  • pre-existing medical conditions
  • when and how quickly the discolored patch of skin appeared
  • whether the discolored patch of skin has changed since it first appeared
  • any related symptoms

The doctor may examine the affected skin under a lamp. They may also need to carry out further tests in some cases, such as blood tests and a skin biopsy.

The treatment for discolored skin depends on the cause.

If a person has an underlying health condition, the doctor will recommend the best course of treatment for that condition.

If the underlying cause is skin cancer, it is vital that the person has treatment as soon as possible.

Birthmarks and skin pigmentation disorders do not usually require treatment. However, some people may wish to have treatment for cosmetic reasons, and some may be necessary to treat depending on their location.

Treatment options may include laser treatment, chemical peels, and topical creams.

Optum Now is operated by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.

It is not always possible to prevent all causes of skin discoloration.

However, sun protection may reduce the risk of melasma, sunburn, and skin cancer. People can protect themselves from the sun by:

  • using sunscreen
  • staying out of the midday sun
  • covering up with loose clothing
  • not using tanning beds or UV lamps

Some common questions about skin discoloration include:

Skin discoloration could be a result of many things, including dryness, irritation, hot weather, birthmarks, skin pigmentation disorders, rashes, infections, cancers, and other medical conditions.

If discoloration does not get better on its own, people should speak with a doctor. This is especially important for any mole-like growths that change shape, size, texture, or color.

The cause may not be serious, but it is a good idea to have a medical professional take a look.

If skin discoloration develops suddenly, spreads rapidly, or occurs with other symptoms such as swelling, seek immediate help.

Treatment for skin discoloration will depend on the cause. If a person does not know the cause, they should speak with a doctor for a diagnosis so they can find the most effective treatments.

There are many possible causes of discolored skin patches. Some causes, such as birthmarks, are not harmful and may not require treatment. Others, such as skin cancer and cyanosis, require immediate treatment.

It is essential to see a doctor if any new discolored patches of skin appear or if existing moles change in any way. This helps to make early diagnosis and treatment possible, which often leads to a better outlook.