Discolored skin patches are irregular areas where there are changes in skin color. They are a common problem with a wide array of potential causes.

Some of the more common causes for changes in skin color are illness, injury, and inflammatory problems.

Discolored skin patches also commonly develop in a certain part of the body due to a difference in melanin levels. Melanin is the substance that provides color to the skin and protects it from the sun. When there is an overproduction of melanin in a given area, it can result in skin discoloration there.