Hello XXXXXXX

Welcome and thanks for posting your query to XXXXXXX

I can understand your concern for the spots after sunburn. It is really distressing for a lady to have anything unusual on face.

As per your query I can make out that you had excess sun exposure leading to peeling of skin and black marks over few places.

I can make out that you are from Chandigarh, India. In India and Indian skin people we generally have the type of skin which tans more commonly than burning. It is a common phenomenon because of more activity of the color producing cells know as "melanocytes". So the more common of the process is getting uniform pigmentation which is known as "Tanning".

Now as per your history you had sun burns rather than tanning. These areas turned black and now pigmentation is present shows bit moderate to high degree of sun burns.

In your query you have not mentioned exact timing since the problem is present. This is because the measures would be different according to the time of sun burn and pigmentation. But even then I would give you suggestions applicable in early and late cases of sun burn and pigmentation.

If the sun burn and pigmentation have appeared within 7-14 days then it is of early (acute) nature and we will be more concentrated towards the sun burn part. For that kindly follow the suggestions below:

1. The most important measure is to stay away from direct sun light by any means. Do not expose yourself to sort of sunlight which is direct or indirect. Even during this cloudy weather when direct sun is not present then also you should give ample sun protection.

2.Do compressions with cold water for 3-4 times a day for 5 minutes each time.

3. You can apply "Fluticasone" cream over entire face in a very thin layer for two times (morning and night) under medical guidance. Apply it in such a thin layer that it should not be visible by naked eye. Do not rub it. Do not use beyond 7 days without dermatological advice.

4. You can apply "calamine lotion" over entire face in a very thin layer for 3-4 times. Apply it in such a thin layer that it should not be visible by naked eye. Do not rub it.

5.If the itching or any irritation is present over any part then you can take tablet "desloaratadine" by mouth under medical guidance for one time if is less or for two to three time if the irritation is more.

5. You can take any antioxidant and multivitamin along with the above especially those containing high amount of Vitamin A and vitamin C in it.

6. Do not try to touch the areas or rub the area as can lead to irritation and more pigmentation.

7. So is true for any home remedies, do not use any curd lime or anything which can even aggravate the situation.

So the above measures can be done for atleast 7 days to reduce the acute effect of the sun burns. If you have redness which deeper then we need to give some oral steroid to reduce the effect for sun light but can only be taken with dermatological advice.


If the problem is present from last more than 15 days then the healing of the sun burn areas must have healed up. But even then you can follow the above measures for next 7 days to soothen your skin.

If it is beyond 21 days of period then we can start with some creams which can reduce the pigmentation. Generally in my set of patients I do not start the lightening creams before 21 days as the healing take place till 3 weeks of time. So again recommend you to not to start if you are within 21 days of the problem.

For the lightening creams I general prescribe Kojic acid cream or Azelaic acid cream at night time only over the affected area. Apply it insuch a thin layer that it should nt be visible by naked eye. Do not try to rub it. It is generally diluted with some bland cream to reduce the irritation. SO these creams are to be used under dermatological guidance only.

Along with it apply a good SPF sunscreen daily for 3-4 times. This is to be applied half an hour before going out. The sunscreen are effective for 3 hours only, so if the direct or indirect exposure is present then reapply after eery 3 hours.
Have plenty of fruits containing vitamin C and A.

Lastly kindly reassure yourself for this simple problem which can be taken care of by simple meticulous methods and you will be alright soon.

I hope these information's will help you. If you have further queries I will be happy to help.

"Wish you good glowing skin"

Regards,
Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia
MD (Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases)

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Hello young lady,

Fine so you are form Bangalore, India. The IP address showed it from Chandigarh. Any way the weather all over India is same with lot of sunlight and showers of rain!!

So according to your query the problem is present since one month. Therefore you need not to do the measures which were told to do within 21 days of the problem like cold compression and other stuff. Even then “STRICT SUN PROTECTION” is the most important thing which you must follow.

The best measure is by stopping day time activities or covering with scarf or related kind of clothes. You can continue with your sunscreen, emolene cream and your antioxidant capsules.

Your doctor had very rightly prescribed you the treatment for the acute phase of the problem. But now what we need is the treatment for the pigmentation part. As already described you need lightening creams like Kojic acid cream or Azelaic acid cream or Hydroquinone at night time only over the affected area. These creams are to be applied continuously for multiple weeks according to the level and grade of pigmentation. We actually need to see the grade of pigmentation and then prescribe different combination and strengths of creams best suited for each individual. You can visit your dermatologist again and can discuss the problem. The dermatologist had already given good treatment and would definitely take you out of this problem.

For the birthday purpose you can go for mild make up with concealers. Do not try to do anything extra from your side and any home remedies as these can irritate the skin and can cause rebound hyper-pigmentation.

If you will follow the proper application of lightening creams under the dermatological guidance then will be completely alright in next couple of weeks.
Lastly your kind of pigmentation is completely transient and not at all permanent and will be completely vanishing off. So stop worrying start acting…

Heartiest birthday wishes in advance!!

I hope these information's will help you. If you have further queries I will be happy to help.

"Wish you good glowing skin"

Regards,
Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia
MD (Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases)

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Thanks a lot you too XXXXXXX for appreciating the efforts.
You will be completely alright and there will even not be any remnants of it after some time. Your name itself suggests - lady with beautiful skin!!

"Have a glowing skin"
Regards,
Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia
MD (Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases)

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