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Suggest Treatment For Post Inflammatory Hypopigmentation
Question: My Wife burnt on her face really bad while we were at the beach. But her skin only peeled in certain spots so now her face is drastically lighter in certain areas cheek, nose and the rest of her face is much darker. How long will it take for it to even out? Is there anything we should do to speed up the process. Thanks
Brief Answer:
Acute sunburn
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I understand from your query that your wife had a severe sunburn reaction and now has patchy skin over her face.
I have seen the clinical picture that you have uploaded.
She seems to be having post inflammatory hypopigmentation ( light areas of skin) in areas where it peeled off. The skin in these areas still has little redness and appears inflammed.
You could follow the following suggestions-
1. Apply a cream containing 1 % hydrocortisone twice a day morning and at bedtime all over the face to reduce the inflammation for 10 days.
2. Use strict sun protection. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or above every 2 hours. Avoid direct sunlight exposure. Use physical measures such as an umbrella / broad rimmed hat to cover the face and also other body parts.
Use a lotion based sunscreen as it has moisturizing properties as well.
It will take about 6 weeks for the skin tone to become even.
There is nothing much you could do to hasten the process other than to cut down further inflammation and prevent further sun damage by following the above measures.
Hope this helps you.
Take care.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Acute sunburn
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I understand from your query that your wife had a severe sunburn reaction and now has patchy skin over her face.
I have seen the clinical picture that you have uploaded.
She seems to be having post inflammatory hypopigmentation ( light areas of skin) in areas where it peeled off. The skin in these areas still has little redness and appears inflammed.
You could follow the following suggestions-
1. Apply a cream containing 1 % hydrocortisone twice a day morning and at bedtime all over the face to reduce the inflammation for 10 days.
2. Use strict sun protection. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or above every 2 hours. Avoid direct sunlight exposure. Use physical measures such as an umbrella / broad rimmed hat to cover the face and also other body parts.
Use a lotion based sunscreen as it has moisturizing properties as well.
It will take about 6 weeks for the skin tone to become even.
There is nothing much you could do to hasten the process other than to cut down further inflammation and prevent further sun damage by following the above measures.
Hope this helps you.
Take care.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Will it hurt anything if she uses make up to cover up the difference until it naturally gets better?
Brief Answer:
Acute sunburn
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It is better to avoid make up till the redness subsides ( next 7-10 days).
Hope this answered your query.
Take care,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Acute sunburn
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It is better to avoid make up till the redness subsides ( next 7-10 days).
Hope this answered your query.
Take care,
Dr. Johny Chacko
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
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