BLACK

Hi Anon and thanks for your question.

None of us has a uniformly colored body. Meaning, white people may have pink patches or beige blemishes, and darker skinned people may have lighter (sometimes called "ashy") patches or darker patches.

You may have a hyper pigmentation that is targeting your buttocks (a common area for darkening of skin). Hyper pigmentation is caused by too much melanin that causes certain parts of the skin to darken. These can result in small or large patches of dark skin. Seeing a dermatologist (skin doctor) may be helpful.

Most people have stretch marks, and they are more easily seen in people with darker skin. Stretch marks can be found on any area of the body - from the arms to the butt to the belly. You definitely don't have to have had a baby in order to get stretch marks. A growth spurt or weight loss can trigger them too.

Our skin changes over time, or due to certain conditions. If a woman has had a baby, she may get melasma - also known as the "mask of pregnancy" that are dark patches primarily on the face. It doesn't always go away.

With regard to stretch marks - there is no 'cure' for them, unfortunately - they are actually scarring of the skin. Most fade in time and plenty of moisturizer can minimize their appearance.

Please don't be embarrassed to see a doctor. At least you will know what is going on with your skin and you can go from there.

Please rest assured that hyper pigmentation is usually harmless. If you really want these patches removed, prescription creams can lessen production of melanin and the patches will fade. Laser treatments are also available. You are not alone - hyper pigmentation is common. And don't forget - even if you are a darker skinned person, it's very important that you always use sun block. Not only does it protect you against skin cancer and early aging, but it will decrease hyper pigmentation, if that is what you have.

I hope this helps - please keep us updated!

Pam