Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
How To Get Rid Of Dark Spots On Face, Arms And Legs?
Hello, I am 38 years old and caught chicken pox about 2 months ago. This has left me with dark pigmented spots on my face, trunk, arms and legs. I have used Tretinoin oral medication when I was about 30 for cystic acnes and it cleared the acnes and the dark spots from the acnes. Can I use it again to clear these spots. Or can I use the topical instead what strenght? I
Mon, 30 Mar 2015
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation/ dark spots is a common complication of chicken pox.
This is due to melanin production in response to inflammatory insult to the skin.
Sun protection is an essential part in the management of any type of pigmentation, specially if it is in sun-exposed parts of the body like face and arms.
I suggest you to use a broad spectrum sunscreen on sun-exposed parts of the body. Reapply every 2-3 hours, throughout the day.
At night you may use a pigment reducing cream containing one or more of the pigment reducing agents like kojic acid, hydroquinone, glycolic acid, arbutin etc.
An Oral Vitamin C supplement once daily will also help resolve PIH faster.
I suggest that you visit a dermatologist in your region for an assessment and for the needful.
Regards
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation/ dark spots is a common complication of chicken pox.
This is due to melanin production in response to inflammatory insult to the skin.
Sun protection is an essential part in the management of any type of pigmentation, specially if it is in sun-exposed parts of the body like face and arms.
I suggest you to use a broad spectrum sunscreen on sun-exposed parts of the body. Reapply every 2-3 hours, throughout the day.
At night you may use a pigment reducing cream containing one or more of the pigment reducing agents like kojic acid, hydroquinone, glycolic acid, arbutin etc.
An Oral Vitamin C supplement once daily will also help resolve PIH faster.
I suggest that you visit a dermatologist in your region for an assessment and for the needful.
Regards
I find this answer helpful
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....