Discoloration on neck

Hello,
I am  a 21 year old African American female.  For a while I have noticed dark patches of skin on my neck and near the base of me ears.  The patches are have a texture that differs from that of my skin. They are slightly rough.  They are also dry and appear "ashy" when they are not moisturized.  I have also noticed simialr spots on the sides of my torso.. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on what this issue may be and how I may be able to reverse it. Thank you.

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Hyperpigmentation Removal treatments are used to eradicate darkened areas of the skin which may result from hormones, sun damage, injuries, skin-type characteristics, medications and more.  Hyperpigmentation lesions can be anything from melasma/cholasma often attributed to pregnancy or hormonal imbalances to freckles.
The treatments vary from melanin blocking agents combined with topical medications such as Retin A which causes the body to exfoliate the skin to rid the body of the hyperpigmentation while prohibiting new melanin production to laser treatments.  The treatments wholly depend upon your needs and skin type.  Some treatments can actually cause hypo- (lack of) and hyperpigmentation problems in some individuals.  Care must be taken in proper diagnosis for a successful result.
Only a qualified Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist  can determine your needs and prescribe treatment plan which best fits you.
For standard non-hormone induced hyperpigmentations Hydroquinone usually reduces or removes hyperpigmentations very effectively. It is a bleaching agent.
You can access more information on the foll. website
http://www.yestheyrefake.net/hyperpigmentation.htm
Also always use sunscreen/sunblock as dark areas on exposure to sunlight turn darker still.