Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

What is the best treatment for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

Arbutin vs hydroquinone vs licorice root extract?  

Can arbutin or licorice extract creams worsen hyperpigmentation as hydroquinone can?  

[chellybeans]

hydroquinone is the most routinely used and the most successful therapy i have seen used.

a dermatologic strength is your best bet.

[Rzrs]

Hi chellybeans

Thanks for the info.  

I've heard of cases of hydroquinone use where it actually darkened the skin after use which is the last thing you would want.  That's why I was looking into alternatives such as arbutin. I was wondering if they carry the same risk of worsening hyperpigmentation.  

I've read that the action of arbutin is more gradual so there's less risk of side effects, but it'd be great to hear someone's personal experience with it.  

[chellybeans]

interesting. in 5 years of dermatology experience i have only seen people make light spots, never dark. and we prescribed to people of every skin tone from fair to deep black.

i hope you find the info you are looking for :)

[Rzrs]

Thanks.

That's good to know.  It gives me a little more confidence to use it.  

I've heard of cases, however of people using it and worsening their hyperpigmentation.  One person said they only used it for 4 days and noticed their skin turning darker.  Another person said that they used it and the same thing happened, but they weren't sure if it was the hydroquinone/steroid combination that caused it.  What's worse is that once hydroquinone causes this effect there isn't much that can be done to reverse it.    

I've read that with long-term use it can cause onchronosis.  I've also read that sunexposure while using it can cause hyperpigmentation.  My concern is that it might cause these effects even with short-term use  (6-8 weeks).  I'm not sure if it's been banned in the UK.  In any case, thanks for sharing your experience.  It makes me feel a little better about using it.

[idreamtolive]

I'm currently using a gel form of the hydroquinone in 2% and it has increased my hyperpigmentation to my alarm. I was using DDF Fade Gel 4. And now I must go to Kaiser and have it looked at. I've only been using it for a week with 30SPF sunscreen. So now I'm at a loss as to what I can do other than wear make up to cover it until I get an appointment. I'm terrified actually.

[Rzrs]

I'm so sorry to hear that.

That was my biggest fear--that something like that would happen.  I can imagine how worried you must be.  Dealing w/hyperpigmentation is a nightmare--especially if it's on the face.  The problem with mine is that makeup won't really even cover it up.  

I wonder if sunexposure in combination w/the hydroquinone made your hyperpigmentation worse.  It's good that you are going to have it checked by a physician.  I don't know if any other creams might help to reverse the damage caused by the hydroquinone--but you might want to check into azelaic acid or licorice root creams to see if they can help.  

I completely understand your frustration.  Please keep us updated on your progress and let us know how it turns out.  Hope everything works out for you.  God bless.

[donbond]

I just started using the generic hydroquinone and it seems to be darkening my hyperpigmentation.
But I am kind of sure it is because of the sun exposure ... I play a lot in the sun every weekend.
The next step is to try the brand name one (Lustra Ultra) ,,, the dermatologist told me no other cream works good. I guess its because of the sun block already built into the brand name cream.
Also the cream works on natural exfoliation of the skin. So dakening I am guessing is also becasue of the older dead cells. Exfoliating should help if this is the case I guess. I am not a doctor, so I would like to get this confirmed by a dermatologist.

[chellybeans]

lol. product placement. i think the drug rep from Lustra must have bought your doctors office a nice lunch.

any of them are basically the same, you can exfoliate on your own and sunscreen is easy to apply as well. i don't know if your insurance will cover that one.

i hope it helps you out :)

[MARIANSC]

I am 47 with a medium olive complexion.
I got the dark pigmentation when I first got pregnant. After, I had my baby, I went to the doctor and he prescribed me Renova, it worked.   About 10 years later, I developed it again, I guess just from sun exposure,  and hormones,)even though I wore a spf 10 moisturizer everyday.  I checked to see how much Renova was, and it was simply unaffordable for me this time around. I tried hydroquinone and was using it about a month when I read and researched it was potentially dangerous and was given opposite effects.
I researched some more and found out about a licorice cream, so decided to give it a try and paid $12.00 for it. I have been using it now for 34 days and my hyperpigmentation is so much lighter.  I just learned about L-asorbic vitamin c, so I ordered that, pure pharmaceutical grade and made my own serum.  I also, exfoliate with a glycolic cleanser.   These 3 things, have made my hyperpigmentation about 50-60% lighter in little over a month. I am hoping another two months, it will be hardly visible.  
I wear a moisturizing sunblock or sunscreen 30 or above during the day, rain or shine, (sunblock, depending how much I will be outside) EVERY SINGLE DAY, now,  Even in my home, where the rays come thru my window.  I wear a wide brim hat and sunglasses when I'm outside.  Something has made my crow's feet go away around my eyes.  I'm pretty sure it is the vitamin c (l-asorbic acid).
I happy so far with the results!  I'm even prouder, I didn't fall for all the glamourized **** out on the market.  They say licorice has 10x more lightning effect than just about any lightner and the best thing is, there is no side effects!   Do your research and learn, before falling for hype.  What may work for one, may not work for another.  My hyperpigmentation was really bad, uneven skin, yuck.
Good luck to all!   P.S. Also, research your sunscreens, there is a big difference!

[chellybeans]

you actually need an spf 30 on a daily basis applied 30 minutes prior to sun exposure then every 2 hours during sun exposure. it doesn't matter if you use one that says it is waterproof, sweatproof or whatever, your body has natural oils and chemicals that will break it down during a couple hours rendering it fairly ineffective.

spf 10 is not going to do much of anything for you.

glad the homeopathic stuff works for you. it did not work for many people who came into the practice.

[licoricef]

just wondering if anyone knows where you can buy licorice cream? and does it really work to help hyperpigmentation fade?

[licoricef]

can licorice cream be used around the eye?