The severity and course of melasma may vary from pregnancy to pregnancy. However, the occurrence of melasma during pregnancy is thought to be indicative of susceptibility to it. Treatment of melasma involves avoidance of sun exposure, use of sunscreens, and discontinuation of the use of oral contraceptives. Darker skin types are more commonly affected. Macules are usually discrete but have hazy, feathered margins that roughly correspond to the configuration of the inflammatory lesion.
Hyperpigmentation can occur after several types of cosmetic surgery.
Usually the face and the backs of the hands are most affected by these spots, which may have a somewhat depressed surface. They can either be uniform or variegated in color. Lentigines may be found on any skin surface including palms, soles, and mucous membranes. They are usually round or oval. Lentigines are caused by increased amounts of melanin associated with an increased number of active melanocytes in the affected skin.