Differential Diagnosis for Dark Spots on Filipino Skin
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Melasma: This is a common skin condition characterized by patches of discoloration, typically on the face. It is more prevalent in individuals with darker skin types, such as Filipinos, and is often triggered by hormonal changes or sun exposure.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): This condition occurs after inflammation or injury to the skin, leading to dark spots. It is common in darker skin types and can be caused by acne, burns, or other skin injuries.
- Seborrheic keratoses: These are benign growths that can appear as dark spots on the skin, often increasing with age. They are common in all skin types but may be more noticeable in individuals with darker skin.
- Solar lentigines: Also known as sun spots or liver spots, these are flat, dark spots that appear due to sun exposure. They are more common in lighter skin types but can also occur in darker skin.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Malignant melanoma: Although less common, it is crucial to consider melanoma in the differential diagnosis of dark spots, especially if they exhibit irregular borders, asymmetry, or changes in size, color, or shape.
- Dermatofibroma: A benign skin growth that can appear as a dark spot, but in rare cases, it can be a sign of an underlying condition.
Rare Diagnoses
- Naevus of Ota: A rare congenital condition characterized by blue or gray pigmentation, typically on one side of the face.
- Mongolian spots: These are congenital melanocytic naevi that appear as blue or gray spots, usually on the lower back or buttocks, and are more common in individuals of East Asian or Native American descent.
- Erythema dyschromicum perstans: A rare skin condition characterized by the gradual appearance of blue or gray spots, often on the face, neck, and arms.