Pigmentary problems are one of the most frequent causes of dermatologic consultation in the tropics. This article deals with disease seen mostly in tropical countries (ashy dermatosis, lichen planus pigmentosus, frictional dermatitis, pityriasis versicolor, and pinta), in which a combination of racial, ecologic, nutritional, and social factors all contribute. Other common dermatoses seen worldwide, such as vitiligo and melasma, sometimes acquire dramatic expressions in tropical countries, and their management is usually difficult even for the most experienced dermatologist.