hyperpigmentation

I have been a competitive athlete for most of my life. Consequently, I have damaged my feet quite a bit (fractured toes, ankle sprains, etc.) .  All things considered my feet are in great shape for the amount of abuse I have inflicted on them. My problem today is mostly cosmetic in that I have severely dark discoloration at my toe joints from too much friction. Is there a better (quicker) way to treat this? I have brown skin and have tried RX hydroquinone treatments that don't seem to work well enough.

[Yena H Do, DPM]

unfortunately, it is difficult to rid this.  your skin was irriated and the melanin in these areas are "overworking" causing the hyperpigmentation.  a dermatologist may be able to prescribe a stronger skin bleach to help minimize some of the discoloration.