Marks on skin from Curad waterproof adhesive tape

[worriedhypochondriac]

A few months ago I had a small rash on my leg so I put some medication on it and used a sterile non stick banage with the Curad Waterproof Adhesive tape. After I took it off I cleaned the area of the tape to make sure I got all the adhesive stuff off. Now months later I can still see the marks where the tape was. It is lighter than the rest of my skin on my leg so it stands out.  Has anyone had this before and what could this mean? I am slightly afraid as it is not going away.

Any information would be great and helpful.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The marks seem like due to post inflammatory hypopigmentation. Although this type of skin problem is very difficult to treat, but you can try Elidel cream or Protropic ointment on these hypopigmented  areas. But use them after a dermatologist’s guidance. If the symptoms still persist then  you can talk to your dermatologist about laser-assisted chemabrasion(LACA).It has provided excellent results in such hypopigmentation.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.

[worriedhypochondriac]

thank you dr. kaur. Does this mean that there is an underlying problem that causes a person to have this?

Thank you

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Having post inflammatory hypopigmentation is not indicative of any medical condition, but it is due to damage or destruction of the melanocytes. This is because when the skin has been subjected to an irritant, the body mounts an "inflammatory response" with movement of white blood cells and other cells into the area, to repair any damaged tissue. This can cause melanocytes damage. Please consult a dermatologist and discuss these treatment options with him.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.