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Took Aldara To Treat Molluscum Contagiosum. Noticed Discolouration. How To Restore Pigmentation?
Question: Hello. I took Aldara a couple years ago to treat molluscum contagiosum. The aldara was prescribed by a dermatologist. Since using it, the aldara has caused some discoloration (a lightening of the skin) on the areas that I placed the aldara. There are 3-4 patches of skin that are discolored - a brighter white - and they are small, perhaps 1/8-1/4 inch and oval shaped. Is there anything I can do to restore pigment? I spoke to another dermatologist and he seemed to indicate that there is nothing that I can do. Is this true? I am open to any ideas.
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to us.
Aldara is imiquimod an immune response modifier. It has been seen that it has a potential to cause depigmentation or hypopigmentation at site of application.
To treat the area application of these drugs singly or in combination might help
1) steroids like hydrocortisone or fluticasone
2) tacrolimus or pimecrolimus
3) deca peptide or fibroblast growth factor.
4) placental extract.
Basically the lesions should be treated as leukoderma lesions.
I would advise that you may discuss a qualified dermatologist nearby to discuss these treatment options for your concern.
Hope that helped.
Take care.
Thanks for writing to us.
Aldara is imiquimod an immune response modifier. It has been seen that it has a potential to cause depigmentation or hypopigmentation at site of application.
To treat the area application of these drugs singly or in combination might help
1) steroids like hydrocortisone or fluticasone
2) tacrolimus or pimecrolimus
3) deca peptide or fibroblast growth factor.
4) placental extract.
Basically the lesions should be treated as leukoderma lesions.
I would advise that you may discuss a qualified dermatologist nearby to discuss these treatment options for your concern.
Hope that helped.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Are you able to prescribe any of the medicines that you recommended for me?
Best,
XXXXXX
Best,
XXXXXX
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing back.
Personally in my patients I prescribe a combination of steroid cream like fluticasone once daily with tacrolimus ointment twice daily initially.
You might get an OTC steroid cream but for tacrolimus you will need a doctor's prescription.
The potency of steroid used depends upon site of involvement that you have not mentioned.
Hope that helps. Should there be a doubt, please write back.
Regards.
Thanks for writing back.
Personally in my patients I prescribe a combination of steroid cream like fluticasone once daily with tacrolimus ointment twice daily initially.
You might get an OTC steroid cream but for tacrolimus you will need a doctor's prescription.
The potency of steroid used depends upon site of involvement that you have not mentioned.
Hope that helps. Should there be a doubt, please 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
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