Hypo-pigmentation

I have a problem with a whitened appearance on my upper lip since having had electrolysis on that area well over 6 years ago. Would you highlight some of my best options to deal with this? I've been wondering about the following:

1. Intradermal permanent cosmetics to tattoo the color back in.

2. excimer laser -  is this a viable option?

3. skin creams - in particular, dermabest or novitil which is a skin cream claiming to treat Vitiligo. Can't seem to verify their claims anywhere.

4. UVB treatment  

Thanks.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

If the whitening is caused by vitiligo, then topical steroid creams and topical tacrolimus (Protopic in the US) are worth a try, as are narrowband UVB treatments.  If the whitening is caused by scarring from electrolysis, these are unlikely to work.  I have seen problems (poor appearance) with inexpertly-done permanent tattoos, so I would be very careful before embarking on that course.  A dermatologist using a Woods light (ultraviolet) should be able to make the diagnostic distinction.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[Tuscan]

A related discussion, Repair scars? was started.

[shami123]

A related discussion, Protopic and Novitil was started.