steriod cream

hello i used a cream which contained  clobetasol propionate without my knowledge, i used it on the  few spots i had at the time. after say two moths i had full blown acne. i went to see a dermatologist and was given obagi,this worked to lighten my skin but did not remove 70% of the spots. my face is lighter due to the hydroquinone in product but i still have scars and some dark spots. I need some thing for the spots, I have an appointment with my doctor next week. what do you think will help the spots. oh and i also had two salt peels recomended by derm which did smooth skin. i am a black male in my 30s

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it sounds like post inflammatory hyperpigmentation due to acne. Without treatment, this usually takes about 6 months to resolve and for the skin color to go back to its normal color.  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.  

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.