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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is A Laser Treatment Available To Get Rid Off Dark Patches?

Hi, I have a dark patch in both sides if my cheeks. It used to be lighter but now is getting darker and also a new patch has arrived on the temple of my face near my eyes. I have started the natural lemon juice treatment but will have to wait and watch for the results. May i please know if their i any laser treatment which can be done to permanently remove these marks and their side effects too. Thanks
Wed, 18 Mar 2015
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Dermatologist 's  Response
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

You seem to have a condition known as Melasma.
Melasma presents as brownish patches/ hyperpigmentation on sun exposed skin of face commonly on cheeks, temples, dorsum of nose.
Melasma may affect other areas like chin, forehead and upper lip area as well.
I wont advocate home remedies like Lemon juice as they might cause side effects like irritation.
Lasers are not useful for facial pigmentation because there is a danger of
post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation i.e further darkening, specially in skin of color/ asian skin.
Sunscreen is an essential part of treatment any facial hyperpigmentation.
I suggest you to use a broad spectrum sunscreen, throughout the day. Reapply every 2-3 hours, specially when outdoors.
At night you may use a pigment reducing cream containing one or more of the following ingredients like kojic acid, hydroquinone, glycolic acid, azaleic acid, tretinoin etc.
You may use these once daily at night.
Along with the topical treatment you may also opt for a few sessions of chemical peeling from a dermatologist. Glycolic acid peel is particularly good for pigmentation.

Regards
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Is A Laser Treatment Available To Get Rid Off Dark Patches?

Hello. Thank you for writing to us You seem to have a condition known as Melasma. Melasma presents as brownish patches/ hyperpigmentation on sun exposed skin of face commonly on cheeks, temples, dorsum of nose. Melasma may affect other areas like chin, forehead and upper lip area as well. I wont advocate home remedies like Lemon juice as they might cause side effects like irritation. Lasers are not useful for facial pigmentation because there is a danger of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation i.e further darkening, specially in skin of color/ asian skin. Sunscreen is an essential part of treatment any facial hyperpigmentation. I suggest you to use a broad spectrum sunscreen, throughout the day. Reapply every 2-3 hours, specially when outdoors. At night you may use a pigment reducing cream containing one or more of the following ingredients like kojic acid, hydroquinone, glycolic acid, azaleic acid, tretinoin etc. You may use these once daily at night. Along with the topical treatment you may also opt for a few sessions of chemical peeling from a dermatologist. Glycolic acid peel is particularly good for pigmentation. Regards