my cat has a brownish skin discoloration

[RNZ]

  My cat Malachite who is about three and a half years old has a brownish skin discoloration above his eyes that started out small and patchy and is now spreading.I am not sure but his fur might be a little thin around the area.He was an indoor cat for 2 years but is now an indoor and out door cat.I don't have the money to take him to the vet and was hoping to find out how serious it is.He has been eating and sleeping fine,acting normal,but am still concerned about long term effects.We live out in the country with lots of grass,hey and trees so I don't know if he has developed an allergy or if it something more serious.I would really appreciate your help.Thank you.
                                                                                         My baby and best friend Malachite and me,Rita

[Dan Sims, DVM]

Any chronic irritation can cause hyperpigmentation or dark skin and allergies are possible.I would try strict indoors and see if it improves.Cats frequently have thin hair in this area.

[RNZ]

Yes,it was helpful but I live with a whole bunch of family members who are always going in or out and some how or another Malachite always sneaks out,so I don't know how well I can keep him out side.I was thinking maybe it was from the country,farm land.Lots of hey and other stuff.So if he is allergic,is there any kind of ointment or cream I can put on his skin to help soothe or heal it?