Permanent Damage from Glycolic Cream?

[dazie329]

Dear Dr. Rockoff,
Re:  Permanent Damage from Glycolic, 2005

Hello.  I had a similar experience with a glycolic cream almost 2 years ago and it also makes me sick to my stomach.  One night before going to bed, I applied some glycolic cream to my forehead and it was burning.  I washed it off, but apparently not completely.   The next day, I took my dog for a walk and came back inside to notice that I had pigmentation marks on my forehead.  I was so upset and still am!
I have done many Candela laser treatments to remove these marks, but they are still there.  I also tried using the Elure advanced lightening duo.  What should I do?  Please advise.

Thank you.

[dazie329]

Thank you for your reply to my post regarding permanent damage from glycolic.
I am afraid to use chemical peels on my forehead since this was a chemical burn from a glycolic acid cream.   I have been treated with the candela laser for the hyperpigmentation marks and it seems to work, but takes a long time.  The elure advanced lightening lotion made the spots on my forehead darker and have been advised to stop using any topical creams.  I think the best option at this time is laser treatments.  I will keep you posted and appreciate your time with this matter.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
For the post inflammatory hyperpigmentation scars, topical treatments with acids and chemical peels can be effective but can take a while for the skin to totally revert to its normal color.  Microdermabrasion can also be done, but this might require several sessions.  Skin resurfacing using lasers is also an option.  

I hope it helps. 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.