What Causes Brown Discoloration On Face?

Brief Answer:
Melasma & "Post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation": Various suggestions.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Welcome and thanks for posting your query to the forum. I can understand your concern for brown mark under your eyes.

After analyzing the picture I can get that you have the condition known as Melasma.

To tell you simply about this: it is a condition of hyperpigmentation occurring mainly over cheeks and sometimes on forehead too in superficial or deeper pigmentation. It is considered to be a hormonal problem due to unknown causes but hormones and ultraviolet light exposure are most common known cause of aggravation.

In your case I can make out that you are accountant so must be using computers which are important source of ultraviolet light exposure.

Additionally there is "Post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation" also. There are color producing cells in our superficial skin known as melanocyrtes. These melanocytes are the cells which regularly produces color/pigment known as melanin in the skin. These are superficially present in the upper skin known as epidermis. This is a tendency in ourselves to get higher activity of these melanocytes after over application of anything. This process is known as "Post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation" or PIH.

IN your case I can see that you have applied a variety of products which actually has caused more pigmentation rather than benefit.

If I were your treating dermatologist then would have prescribed a cream containing Kojic acid with arbutin and mulberry extract. Alternatively I would have used Azelaic acid gel.

Any of these products are to be used with low percentage and then can be increase to higher percentage after few weeks of time. All these creams are to be applied in a very thin layer at night time only so that these should not be visible to naked eye. Apply at night time before sleeping. A pea size amount is sufficient to be applied to palm size area.

The most important of all is to use good quality sunscreen. It is of utmost importance and is also a must in day time. In my patients I suggest them to use for 3-4 times a day. It is should be used half an hour before going out. Say for if going out at 9 am then to be applied at 8:30 am and then re-applied every 3 hourly for 2-3 times.

A good nutritious diet containing lots of fruits and green vegetables is also very helpful.

I hope this information will help you. I will be glad to reply any further queries

With regards,
Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia
MD- Dermatology

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Brief Answer:
There is no effect of any soap in case of melasma or PIH.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

I am really happy to know that you are relaxed to know the simple facts regarding your concern.

In my patients I use Kojic acid cream (such as Kojivit plus or Carofit Max) at night time. In day time I suggest o apply a good sunscreen lotion (such as Photoban) for 3-4 times very thinly as suggested before.

There is no effect of any soap in case of melasma or PIH.

I hope this information will help you. I will be glad to reply any further queries or if not then can close the query and rate the discussion.

With regards,
Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia
MD- Dermatology

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