Heat Rash/ Sweat Rash?

About three years ago, I got a rash between my breasts. Its became red, and sort of looked like little pimples. They became very itchy and sore. I have quite large breasts and exercise fairly often so I thought it must be some sort of sweat rash. I was too embaressed to tell anyone so it was like that for about two years, and whatever creams or treatments I used wouldnt work. Eventually it went away after about two years. But I was still left with this really bad scarring. It sort of looked like acne scarring, as they are indented in my skin. I cant wear anything low cut, because it is really obvious. I tried using bio oil recently to clear the scarring which has worked in on other scars I have had, but after a few days it just became really sore so I stopped using it. Is there any kind of treatment I can use (preferably an over the counter medicine, I don't want to go to the doctor) that will get rid of the scars. They are really embarresing.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The lesions that you have described sound like scar with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The treatment for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation includes various skin creams like hydroquinone, azelaic acid, corticosteroids, tretinoin cream and laser treatment. If it still persists then you can go in for laser treatment, Chemical peeling or microdermabrasion.
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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.