Detailed answer

Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by dark patches on the face. Acral pigmented lesions, on the other hand, are dark spots that appear on the extremities, such as the hands and feet. While they are different in terms of location, there are instances where melasma can be mistaken for acral pigmented lesions, especially when the skin discoloration occurs on the hands or feet. It is important for a skincare professional to carefully examine the affected area, take a detailed medical history, and possibly conduct further tests like a skin biopsy to differentiate between melasma and acral pigmented lesions.