black skin

im 43 and i have dark marks on my legs from old flee bites from my dog, and dark marks on my back from a bump that went away , or a light scratch that left a mark however im very depressed about them not going away. ive searched the internet world and nothing works what would normally work on people with average skin, doesnt work on me. i cant afford to pay 200.00 a treatment at upscale dermatologist  so im trying to find something natural or on my own to help please help im very sad.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

The marks that you are having can be due to hyperpigmentation and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation after trauma to the skin. The treatment includes various skin creams like hydroquinone, azelaic acid, corticosteroids, tretinoin cream and laser treatment.Apply hydroquinone cream on this scar and it should go away in a few days to months.Cream containing alpha hydroxyl acid can also be tried.

If it still persists then you can go in for laser treatment, Chemical peeling or microdermabrasion. Avoid picking, harsh scrubbing, and abrasive treatments unless prescribed by a dermatologist during this period.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing and if you have any additional queries.