Dr. Elbuluk discusses practical approaches to evaluating and treating hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and depigmentation in patients with skin of color, emphasizing that accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective care. She highlights the importance of completing an appropriate diagnostic workup before initiating treatment. Dr. Elbuluk also reviews how determining the depth of pigmentation influences treatment selection and discusses when procedural therapies may be incorporated alongside topical or systemic treatments, particularly after first-line therapies plateau. She concludes with considerations for patch testing in acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation and the essential role of photoprotection in managing pigmentary disorders.
