HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Dark Discolouration On The Buttocks?

default
Posted on Tue, 3 Jan 2017
Question: All the way from my vagina to top of the split of my buttocks is very dark (including the inside of my buttocks) with some spots darker than others. I think it is just so ugly to look at. What can I do to lighten this as fast as possible?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

There are medications and over-the-counter products that can help lighten skin by inhibiting melanin (skin pigment) production. It won't happen quickly though, because once melanin is produced, it is in the skin cells.

I hesitate to recommend anything to apply between the buttock cheeks because putting creams in skin folds increases their absorption significantly. In addition, you don't want them to get near your anus or vagina because of absorption.

Also, while I understand that the increased pigment you described is unsightly to you, is it really a problem that anyone else sees? It sounds like a normal variant, especially if your skin is on the darker side.

So I'll give you some information about skin lightening, but before using it in your butt I think you should consult with a dermatologist.

One of the most commonly used medications for skin lightening is hydroquinone. It's sold over the counter, or in higher doses by prescription. That it is sold over the counter doesn't mean that it is entirely safe. It has been found to cause cancer, and there is the risk that the skin can come out looking sort of grayish.

There are also natural preparations. Again, their being natural doesn't mean they are always safe, and in fact, haven't been tested as much as hydroquinone, so we don't know as much about the risks. One natural preparation that is available as a cream is Azelaic acid.

I'm attaching an article about skin lightening here. If you are interested in looking at it, and if it doesn't show up as a link, copy and paste it into your address bar.

I hope this information helps. But again - the skin appearance of your buttocks is possibly not as much of an issue as you might think; and if you are going to use any creams (hydroquinone or natural) between your cheeks or near your anus/vagina, please see a dermatologist first.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (28 minutes later)
Hello Dr. Berger-Durnbaugh,

Thank you for your reply.

Would it make much of a difference if I were to stay as far away as possible from the vagina and anus when applying anything in those areas? Or perhaps even wiping away the excess of the product to make sure it does not come in contact with the vagina and anus? And although it is something I mostly see, I fear how my partner may react if they see it when we have sex. Also I have Googled my question recently to see how other people went about solving their problem, but with the images they included with their question, no one's seem to look as bad as mine does. That is also why I wanted to ask a professional before I tried anything myself. I was tempted to apply witch XXXXXXX because I've heard it can be used as a natural skin toner but I was afraid of any adverse effects.

Also is the Azelaic Acid available by prescription or over the counter?

Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
First, let me copy here the link to the article which I forgot to include in my first response:
http://www.yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.com/byyyy/yyyyyyy.php/five-things-everyone-should-know-about-skin-bleaching/

Yes the azeleic cream is sold over the counter, although I don't know if every drug store would have it - you might need to call around.

It would help to wipe off excess, and make sure it doesn't contact the vagina or anus (or come too close to them as some might be absorbed nearby).

Witch XXXXXXX would not cause harm (although again, don't get it near mucus membranes - anus and vagina). I am not familiar with it as a skin lightener. As a toner, it makes tissue tighter temporarily.

I do think it would be best though, if the problem is that significant, to see a dermatologist in person.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (5 minutes later)
Thank you for all your help and advice.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Your welcome!

Detailed Answer:
Your welcome and I hope this works out for you.

Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Dark Discolouration On The Buttocks?

Brief Answer: Information Detailed Answer: Hello, There are medications and over-the-counter products that can help lighten skin by inhibiting melanin (skin pigment) production. It won't happen quickly though, because once melanin is produced, it is in the skin cells. I hesitate to recommend anything to apply between the buttock cheeks because putting creams in skin folds increases their absorption significantly. In addition, you don't want them to get near your anus or vagina because of absorption. Also, while I understand that the increased pigment you described is unsightly to you, is it really a problem that anyone else sees? It sounds like a normal variant, especially if your skin is on the darker side. So I'll give you some information about skin lightening, but before using it in your butt I think you should consult with a dermatologist. One of the most commonly used medications for skin lightening is hydroquinone. It's sold over the counter, or in higher doses by prescription. That it is sold over the counter doesn't mean that it is entirely safe. It has been found to cause cancer, and there is the risk that the skin can come out looking sort of grayish. There are also natural preparations. Again, their being natural doesn't mean they are always safe, and in fact, haven't been tested as much as hydroquinone, so we don't know as much about the risks. One natural preparation that is available as a cream is Azelaic acid. I'm attaching an article about skin lightening here. If you are interested in looking at it, and if it doesn't show up as a link, copy and paste it into your address bar. I hope this information helps. But again - the skin appearance of your buttocks is possibly not as much of an issue as you might think; and if you are going to use any creams (hydroquinone or natural) between your cheeks or near your anus/vagina, please see a dermatologist first.