What is the cause for dark brown patches under my breast?

Q: I am 41 years old, married and have 2 children. My periods have been quite regular. This month the periods started after 15 days instead of the 28 days cycle. I noticed some dark brown patches under my breast. This is more so under the left breast and goes upto the middle of the chest that is in between the breasts. Please advise about the change in periods and the marks under the breast.

A:Pigmentation under the breasts may not be related to the change in menstrual cycle. What the pigmentation is due to, is difficult to say without examination. It may be post inflammatory pigmentation, fungal infection, toxic melanosis etc. Management will depend upon the final diagnosis.