Home Care:

Over-the-counter creams are available for lightening the skin. If you use these creams, follow instructions carefully and don't use one for more than 3 weeks at a time. Darker skin requires greater care when using these preparations. Cosmetics may also help cover a discoloration.

Avoid too much sun exposure. Always use sunscreen.

Abnormally dark skin may continue even after treatment. Experts recommend emotional support or counseling.

Call your health care provider if:

Call your doctor for an appointment if you have:

• Skin discoloration that causes significant concern
• Persistent, unexplained darkening or lightening of the skin
• Any skin sore or lesion that changes shape, size, or color -- may be a sign of skin cancer

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms, including:

• When did the discoloration develop?
• Did it develop suddenly?
• Is it getting worse? How fast?
• Has it spread to other parts of the body?
• What medicines do you take?
• Has anyone else in your family had a similar problem?
• How often are you in the sun? Do you use a sun lamp or go to tanning salons?
• What is your diet like?
• What other symptoms do you have? For example, are there any rashes or skin lesions?

Tests that may be done include:

• Adrenocorticotropin hormone stimulation test
• Skin biopsy
• Thyroid function studies
• Wood's lamp test

Your doctor may recommend creams, ointments, surgery, or phototherapy, depending on the type of skin condition you have. The following articles offer more detailed treatment information.

• Liver spots
• Mole
• Pityriasis versicolor
• Vitiligo

Some skin color changes may return to normal without treatment.