Pink skin under scab won't go away

[TorontoBlueJay]

I was physically attacked with a stick about 1 month ago, and received lacerations on my scalp.

I am bald, so this is really of a concern to me.

Anyways, two of the lacerations left scars, but surrounding the scars are pink skin that appears to be new skin growing after the area scabbed up (the scabs fell off after taking off bandaging).

I am very concerned that this pink area surrounding the scar will not go away, its been 1 month, and its still the same color as when the scabbing first came off.

Could you please tell me what is wrong, and what I can do to make it match my skin color.

Thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms that you are having can be due to post inflammatory hypopigmentation. Although this type of skin problem is very difficult to treat, but you can try Elidel cream or Protropic ointment on these hypopigmented areas. But use them after a dermatologist’s guidance. If the symptoms still persist then you can talk to your dermatologist about laser-assisted chemabrasion(LACA).It has provided excellent results in such hypopigmentation.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.

[TorontoBlueJay]

It has been close to 6 months and the pink, depigmented areas have still not gone away. I am quite sure from what I've researched that this is hypopigmentation.

Since I am of Indian descent, the area appears pink in contrast to the rest of my skin color.

Please tell me what I can do. Thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The lesion that you have described sounds like a scar with 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 this scar 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.

I hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.