post-sunburn damage

[pineneedleroad]

A while back, I got a really bad sunburn on my legs, complete with 2nd-degree burns. My legs were swollen and tight, formed blisters that oozed, were wet in appearance, and eventually scabbed over. It took about four weeks for them to heal. It's been about a month since they healed and I've noticed that my legs, which were totally clear before, now have what appear to be dark freckles and spots on them. It doesn't bother me from a cosmetic standpoint, but I am concerned enough from a health standpoint that I'm wondering if I should see a dermatologist. What do you think?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The darkened spots are due to post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The treatment for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation includes various skin creams like hydroquinone, azelaic acid, corticosteroids, tretinoin cream and laser treatment.Apply hydroquinone cream on these scars and it should go away in a few days to months.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 or in case you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.