Praxis Medical Insights

Est. 2024 • Clinical Guidelines Distilled

Made possible by volunteer editors from the University of Calgary & University of Alberta

Last Updated: 11/20/2025

Differential Diagnosis for Dark Patch-Like Lesions on Fingers

Primary Differential Diagnoses

  • Actinic keratoses occur on chronically sun-exposed dorsal hands, presenting as rough, scaly patches that may be pigmented, and can itch occasionally, according to the British Journal of Dermatology 1, 2
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be secondary to previous eczema, psoriasis, trauma, or infection, with a history of preceding inflammatory lesion being key, as noted by Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines 3

Diagnostic Workup

  • Wood's light examination can help assess pigmentation patterns, as suggested by Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines 4, 5

REFERENCES

2
3

Diagnóstico Diferencial de Mancha Hipocrómica Única en Brazo [LINK]

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

4

Autoimmune Connection in Vitiligo and Erythema Annulare Centrifugum [LINK]

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

5

Pathogenesis of Vitiligo [LINK]

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025