New Delhi, Feb. 8 -- The primary concerns that lead patients to seek care at a dermatologist's clinic include uneven skin tone and hyperpigmented patches or darkened skin. Although these terms are often conflated and considered interchangeable, they are not. With distinct causes, the three skin conditions, dark patches, pigmentation and melasma have different treatment protocols and preventive strategies.

What causes pigmentation?

Pigmentation refers to any change in skin colour due to excess melanin, the pigment responsible for your skin's tone. It can be triggered by sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, inflammation, or even certain medications. "For instance, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) occurs when acne, cuts, or burns ...