skin discoloration

[enella]

I have skin discoloration from bruise, insect bites,cut or burn after healing it leaves a spot that never goes away. I am 39 years and I have had this problem since I was teenager. I use bleaching creams for a period of two weeks or less as long there is no sign of improvement I discontinue. I went the a demotologist twice and they kept giving me glyclic acid, 10% it does clear up my skin but it only brighten the spots and make them more visibly and sensitive to sunlight, the result is not effective it only make matters worse when I have to go outside, I do use sunblock but I will let you know there is no sunblock that can beat the sun light, heat, and pollution in Houston Tx. I need something more effect and fast enough to beat the rate at which the sunlight and heat can damage my skin. please do not suggest I should use more sunblock I use it every day I spend alot of money on sunblocks, I even use an umbrella when I have to be outside for more than 5 minutes. I wear light long sleaves blouse even in a 110 degree heat in Houston. I am very embarras about the spots I do not go outside, I never go to the pools, or have fun on water slides. I do have children but I usually send them out with relatives and find other excuses not to go. My friends and family know that I have this problem, but they don't it bothers me alot. I need help please.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These scars sound like post inflammatory hyperpigmentation to me. 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.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted if you have any additional queries.

[lisagaye]

I feel your pain honey!  I have the same problem. I'm 41. It takes years for some of my spots to go away and some have never gone away.  My face is especially messed up from adult acne spots. Dermablend make-up does an OK job of covering some stuff but not all of it.  I'm learning to love the new me......marks and all! Most people don't notice as much as you think they do. I actually tan to help them be less noticeable. I know this makes them darker but when my skin is darker all over they don't look as bright and glaring by contrast in my opinion. I also use Hydroquinon in spots but it hasn't done much good. I've done numerous acid peels too.  I hear the Obagi Blue Peel works real wonders on hyperpigmentation but it's expensive. I wish you well.