dermal pih after glycolic acid

[amrit54]

I had minor pimples on my face .My doctor advised me to apply 10% glycolic acid on the spots .I applied for 1 week and was left with black spots .I was quite depressed then i went to another doctor he told me that i got dermal pih as my skin is sensitive by using glycolic acid .he gave me depiwhite containing 2% hydroquinone and kojic acid for application at night time and triobloc containing alpha arbutin for application 2 times during day time.The spots turned reddish n started fading but after 4weeks of application one of spots  hav turned  red again n hav stopped using it again . I don t understand what is happening and i m vry depressed .Please help ,

[amrit54]

The spots have lightened.....wid light pink shade in the centre and surrounding skin has become white (lighter den the normal skin tone)....I really wonder that is light pink shade in centre pigmentation or something else ..The derm who is treating me said that light pink shade in centre is derm pih and now i should allow the lighter skin to get normal on its own .So i have stopped using all medicines....But still these white patches look really awkward ......I want to now that how much time these white patches will take to get normal and how long i need to take sun protection.....Moreover i consulted another derm he told me to apply a coticosteroid called sofradex cream ....but i hav heard that steroids are not safe to be used because they provide only temporary relief and cure nothing but aggravate problem .......Is it safe to use a steroid ..I dont want a temporary relief i want to sort out this problem permanently ......Please guide

[amrit54]

Dear doctor  ,my spots were brown in satrting and are now pink coloured now which often turn red at times .I read about glycolic acid induced rosacea on net .Can it be so that i have rosacea as well on the spots because they are pink and melanin is not pink in shade ???

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Kojic acid will help with scarring and you need to use it regularly. Scars will not reappear. However if there is severe scarring then other treatment options may be needed which have been mentioned. Hydroquinone should always be used under medical supervision and should not be taken without a dermatologist’s examination.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[amrit54]

Dear doctor   ,redness has reduced and spots have faded a bit .But will they get eliminated completely or not with the treatment i am taking as my dermatologist said that i got dermal pih  as mentioned and what are the chances of reappearing and again darkening up of faded spots ?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
You can use kojic acid for hyperpigmentation. 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.

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