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Will The Residual Dark Patches Fade Gradually?
A week ago I got a sunburn. I was all red and got blisters all over my body. but when the skin just started peeling around 3 days after sunburn I peeled some skin off. Now when all the skin is more or less the same color the patches I peeled are much darker and skin there seem to be really dry despite of my using lotion on it all the time. The dark patches are dry but won t peel. Is it normal? Will they go away in a bit? And why did they form?
Thu, 27 Nov 2014
Hello. Thanks for writing to us at healthcaremagic
You seems to have developed Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH).
PIH is a non-specific reaction that can develop after any inflammatory insult to the skin e.g sunburn; this is followed by new melanin synthesis manifesting as PIH.
Sun-exposure plays a part as PIH is more common on sun-exposed sites like face.
You may use a broad spectrum sunscreen, throughout the day to prevent further sun induced darkening. Reapply it every 2-3 hours.
If i was the treating doctor I would have asked you to use a moderately potent topical steroid e.g fluticasone propionate cream 0.05%, twice daily for the dark patches.
This should gradually make it fine within a few days.
Regards
You seems to have developed Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH).
PIH is a non-specific reaction that can develop after any inflammatory insult to the skin e.g sunburn; this is followed by new melanin synthesis manifesting as PIH.
Sun-exposure plays a part as PIH is more common on sun-exposed sites like face.
You may use a broad spectrum sunscreen, throughout the day to prevent further sun induced darkening. Reapply it every 2-3 hours.
If i was the treating doctor I would have asked you to use a moderately potent topical steroid e.g fluticasone propionate cream 0.05%, twice daily for the dark patches.
This should gradually make it fine within a few days.
Regards
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