Dark upper lip area

Helllo, Im a 16 year old, and I have to shave daily but I have a problem with my mustache hair. No matter how I shave, its always looks like i didnt get it all off, as if he grew in right behind me finishing. Ive used different razors, shaving creams, aftershaves, everything. Currently, i am wetting the lip with hot water than applying shaving cream for a good 5 mins and then using a 3 blade razor upside down to cut it and it agitates the lip and leaves it red, cut up, hot and uncomfortable. I dont know if it is the hair that is so dark, or if the skin there is just dark but I am very self conscious about this and would like to get rid of all the hair on my lip when i shave. Any ideas? thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This darkening can be due to hyperpigmentation skin also. Treatment will depend on the cause of this hyperpigmentation. It can be due to melasma or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Melasma is caused by hormonal changes, which stimulate a temporary increase in your body's production of melanin. People with darker complexions are more prone to this condition than people with lighter skin.

Treatment options include treatment with vitamin C and hydrocortisone, peel with carbon dioxide snow and alexandrite and ND-Yag Q-Switched laser treatment preceded by a hydroquinone-based application. Please discuss these options with your dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.