Hyperpigmentation

[Tuli08]

I am an african woman who has suffered from acne since my teens and for years my dermatologist had prescribed a compound with 4%hydroquinone with other stuff. For the past three years I noticed my facial skin tone is much more darker (with a blueish underlying tone) than my chest and hands and it bothers me because I've always had an even tone overall (with the exception of when I breakout and get the acne dark marks).  I received a second opinion and my new dr. gave me clindamycin lotion and 6% benzyl peroxide cleanser but the problem has not changed.

Can you please tell me what you think this may be? It's really affecting my self-esteem. I did some research and came across a condition called exogenous ochronosis or something like that which is irreversible. Could this be what's happening to me?

Please help!

[blane2]

Hi,

I'm not a doctor or anything, but if you read up on hydroquinone online you will find that this is a common side effect. The reason that hydroquinone is illegal in the U.K., Africa, and a few other countries because there is a risk of discoloration associated with long-term use. I've seen pictures of women with blue-black skin, hyperpigmentation, and hypopigmentation associated with use.
You should do your research if this is still a problem and try to speak with someone who knows more about whether this is reversible.
I don't know why hydroquinone is still legal in the U.S.

Regards,
Bella

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH, is the medical term given to discoloration of the skin that follows a wound, rash, pimple, or other stimuli which causes skin inflammation.This causes the skin to produce too much melanin. which darkens and discolors the wounded area. This discoloration remains even after the wound or rash has healed.

PIH is very common among acne sufferers. It can occur in all skin types, although it is more common in darker skin tones. PIH is not a true scar and is the remnant of an inflamed acne lesion.  Picking or popping a pimple increases the chance of developing postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

PIH will fade away over time, even without treatment. It can take three to 24 months for PIH to fully fade, although in some cases it may take longer. The length of time it takes for PIH to fade depends on how dark the PIH macule is compared to your skin tone. There are treatment options available to help fade postinflammatory hyperpigmentation more quickly. However, your acne should be under control before beginning any treatment. It is also  recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. The sun may darken the discolorations and increase fading time.

Take care and regards.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH, is the medical term given to discoloration of the skin that follows a wound, rash, pimple, or other stimuli which causes skin inflammation.This causes the skin to produce too much melanin. which darkens and discolors the wounded area. This discoloration remains even after the wound or rash has healed.

PIH is very common among acne sufferers. It can occur in all skin types, although it is more common in darker skin tones. PIH is not a true scar and is the remnant of an inflamed acne lesion.  Picking or popping a pimple increases the chance of developing postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

PIH will fade away over time, even without treatment. It can take three to 24 months for PIH to fully fade, although in some cases it may take longer. The length of time it takes for PIH to fade depends on how dark the PIH macule is compared to your skin tone. There are treatment options available to help fade postinflammatory hyperpigmentation more quickly. However, your acne should be under control before beginning any treatment. It is also  recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. The sun may darken the discolorations and increase fading time.

Take care and regards.