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Suggest Treatment For Post Inflammatory Hyper-pigmentation On Arms

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Posted on Wed, 15 Oct 2014
Question: I have pigments on the skin surface of my left arm, just like dots, some are vague and some are sharp without any swelling. One of the dermatologists I once visited concluded that they are protein deposits without any tests or treatments, he also said this will fade away but it can return anytime. My skin has always been allergic to metal ornaments etc, and I have scars on my forearm of all the boils i had got from allergies, since the past 6-7 years. So far i have only found it on my arm. I read an article about this spreading to organs causing organ failure. Is it the same? Should i be worried about this? How threatening is this, and what kind of tests would measure the severity.. what are the precautions to be taken? Please please suggest.
-Very WorriedIf the doctor i consulted was wrong, what exactly is it then? and is it harmful? I was asked to keep the affected area mosturised. even though it wont go away, it will prevent from spreading, was what i was suggested. I noticed that in a span of 10 months it spread up to 1 cm on my arm. I was also scheduled to work under either the sun or heat during those 10 months. I also got married just 4 months back. My right arm shows no big problem except for those scars from allergies throughout the years. I am worried more because i feel i am a little forgetful relatively. what should i do? how was this caused?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
"Post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation" or PIH.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome and thanks for posting your query to the forum.

I can understand your great concern related to the skin problem you are facing since last 7 years.

I have gone through the complete details as well as the pictures sent. After analyzing all the query let me first and foremost reassure you that your condition is one of the simplest and usually seen problem of the skin which we call as "Post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation" or PIH.

To tell you simply, the pigmentation is due to the activity of melanocytes in the skin. These melanocytes are the cells which regularly produces color/pigment known as melanin in the skin. These are superficially present in the upper skin known as epidermis. This is a tendency in us to get higher activity of these melanocytes at the sun exposed area according to our genetic makeup. It is seen on higher side in people of Asiatic origin than in white population. The sun exposed area is prone for over production of melanin in the skin. This pigmentation is known as " Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation" or PIH. "

As per the description you gave your doctor might had given you the diagnosis of "Amyloidosis" of skin. In my opinion it doesn't appear to be amyloidosis of skin.

One thing that Amyloidosis or any other related pigmentation doesn't remain on one side. And on the other side even if we consider it as the Amyloidosis then also there is no chance to cause any systemic ailments. So do not worry and therefore think in that direction.

Your condition is basically present on one side and therefore logically and medically thinking there is no chance of anything systemic. Had it been systemic then must had been present all over body in 7 years!!!!

For the treatemt part - it is quite simple. First and foremost is sun protection by full sleeves clothes.
There are certain medication which safely helps out in reducing the pigment at these areas. If I were your treating dermatologist then would have prescribed a cream (under dermatological supervision) containing Kojic acid with arbutin and mulberry extract in it.

Alternatively Azelaic acid gel can be applied over the affected area of pigmentation. These are one of the best and safest creams to be applied. Apply any of these creams in a very thin layer at night time only so that these should not be visible to naked eye. Apply at night time before sleeping.

I hope these informations will help you in getting rid of pigmentation marks.

I will be glad to reply any further queries. I wish best and early recovery,

With regards,
Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia
MD- Dermatology
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia (52 minutes later)
I hope thats true. I hope you had analyzed bothe images i sent. The 1st has more wound scars but the other has pigments. Very unusual. And i am not supposed to rub and keep it out of sun as well. I saw it spreading too... please guide.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Your condition is'nt related to any systemic thing

Detailed Answer:
Hello young lady,

Welcome again to the forum and thanks for your swift follow up.

Let you first and foremost come out of the aura of "anything serious". As I guided you in previous mail that your condition is one of the simplest condition which I quite often see in my clinical practice.

I analyzed both your images and could find the spots rather than scars. In sun damaged skin it is quite obvious that even two minutes of sunlight is sufficient to cause further spread and aggravation of problem which is also a normal natural process.

I suggest you to meet a proper XXXXXXX dermatologist in your area and apprise with our discussion and my suggestions. Do let me know your local place so that I can guide you one of the best if possible.

Trust me I reassure you completely that your condition is not related to any systemic ailment and nothing would be going to deposit to your internal organs. Stop your internet search for any grave thing and just relax and enjoy your newly married life.

I hope above information will relax your mind. I will be glad to reply any further queries. I wish best and early recovery,

With regards,
Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia
MD- Dermatology
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia (24 minutes later)
I am highly relieved. Thank you so much for your for explaining everything to me and helping me through the panic. :)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Your condition is one of the simplest type

Detailed Answer:
Hello young lady,

I am really happy to know that you are now relieved and relaxed after my suggestions. I am with you to help you out in this simple issue of skin problem. I again reassure you that your condition is one of the simplest type which I see quite too often in my daily practice.

Enjoy your married life and do not give any second thoughts to your simple skin problem!!!

I will be glad to reply any further queries o if no then can close the query and rate the answer.

With regards,
Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia
MD- Dermatology
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 4165 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Post Inflammatory Hyper-pigmentation On Arms

Brief Answer: "Post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation" or PIH. Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome and thanks for posting your query to the forum. I can understand your great concern related to the skin problem you are facing since last 7 years. I have gone through the complete details as well as the pictures sent. After analyzing all the query let me first and foremost reassure you that your condition is one of the simplest and usually seen problem of the skin which we call as "Post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation" or PIH. To tell you simply, the pigmentation is due to the activity of melanocytes in the skin. These melanocytes are the cells which regularly produces color/pigment known as melanin in the skin. These are superficially present in the upper skin known as epidermis. This is a tendency in us to get higher activity of these melanocytes at the sun exposed area according to our genetic makeup. It is seen on higher side in people of Asiatic origin than in white population. The sun exposed area is prone for over production of melanin in the skin. This pigmentation is known as " Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation" or PIH. " As per the description you gave your doctor might had given you the diagnosis of "Amyloidosis" of skin. In my opinion it doesn't appear to be amyloidosis of skin. One thing that Amyloidosis or any other related pigmentation doesn't remain on one side. And on the other side even if we consider it as the Amyloidosis then also there is no chance to cause any systemic ailments. So do not worry and therefore think in that direction. Your condition is basically present on one side and therefore logically and medically thinking there is no chance of anything systemic. Had it been systemic then must had been present all over body in 7 years!!!! For the treatemt part - it is quite simple. First and foremost is sun protection by full sleeves clothes. There are certain medication which safely helps out in reducing the pigment at these areas. If I were your treating dermatologist then would have prescribed a cream (under dermatological supervision) containing Kojic acid with arbutin and mulberry extract in it. Alternatively Azelaic acid gel can be applied over the affected area of pigmentation. These are one of the best and safest creams to be applied. Apply any of these creams in a very thin layer at night time only so that these should not be visible to naked eye. Apply at night time before sleeping. I hope these informations will help you in getting rid of pigmentation marks. I will be glad to reply any further queries. I wish best and early recovery, With regards, Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia MD- Dermatology