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Dark Hyperpigmented Lesions Over Face. Not Cured By Hydroquinone Cream And Laser Treatment. Remedy?

Posted on Tue, 14 May 2013

Question: Iam a 43 yr old woman, a year ago started to get light patches on my face which has now become dark and hyperpigmented. It is there all over my face and some portion on my neck too. Had several cycles of microdermabrasion, chemical peeling and laser treatment on dermatologists advice, but my skin remains the same. Please advise. Had also applied hydroquinone cream (obagi) for 3 months. Had vitc, antioxidants and retinoic acid for 4 months. Iam now applying vichy cream. I have brown complexion

Answered by Dr. Kalpana Pathak (3 hours later)

Hi,
Thanks for writing to us.
Dark hyperpigmented lesions over face could be lichen planus pigmentosus or ashy dermatosis or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation or due to use of cosmetics and oils.
I would like to know which lasers and chemical peels have been tried so far and if possible attach an image of the concerned area so that I can assist you better.
If possible do let me know if a diagnosis was suggested for your condition and if a biopsy was done for your condition. Secondly did the white lesions turn dark spontaneously or due to use of some medicine.
At the same time, I would not give you much hope as your doctor has tried everything possible for hyperpigmentation.

Kindly answer the queries and we may continue the discussion here.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kalpana Pathak (23 hours later)

Thank you Dr for the reply. My diagnosis was post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The laser was q switch.. peels were different types. All were performed in my dermatologists clinic. During the treatment process I felt there was an increase in pigmentation. I have stopped the treatment since last 5 months. Now,there is a slight reduction in pigmentation. Darkness is more in the temples, around eyes and chin and it looks patchy. I have stopped using hydroquinone creams. The only thing I apply is Vichy cream for pigmentation and sunscreen . Could you suggest any cream for topical application? My doctor said it is a long battle, but it is too long, going to be an year. please help. Iam not able to get a clear photograph of myself now. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Kalpana Pathak (24 hours later)

Hi,
Thanks for writing back.
PIH at times can be difficult to treat and may require quite a long time to resolve.
As you have undergone most of the treatment options available and wish to use topical creams only, these suggestions might be helpful
1) use a Glycolic acid based face wash like melawash
2) use a sunscreen with SPF 50 daily esp if stepping outdoors. It has to be applied 20 minutes to 30 minutes prior to sun exposure
3) take tablet vitamin c 500 mg twice in a day
4)apply Azelaic acid 20 percent cream twice in a day
5) apply tretinoin cream 0.05 percent in night

Azelaic acid and tretinoin has a potential to irritate skin and so should be used in minimum quantity required. If any of these leads to redness, irritation or dryness then the cream needs to be discontinued and should be restarted in a lesser amount. These creams can be safely continued for long time.

Hope that helped.
If there is any other query, feel free to write back.
Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar