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Suggest Treatment For Dark Spots And Uneven Skin Tone

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Posted on Mon, 9 Feb 2015
Question: I did a TCA peel about a week ago and the healing has started. I did it because I was in South XXXXXXX and my skin really took a toll with the weather. I got dark spots and uneven skin tone. i've always had uneven skin tone but it got worse after that visit.



Today I am messaging to ask what is causing some black dots on my skin. Black little bumps under the eye and on the cheeks. They appear to be hair but its not. Not sure what it is.



The peel is healing well and its almost finished peeling but I still notice the dark spots coming back. I have some generic medication coming from XXXXXXX which I will use.



I also saw reviews from a system called the Sirius XXXXXXX which is LED light therapy. The reviews are good so i purchased it. Do you think it will help my skin in terms of the black dots and DARK spots.



Dark spot and what appear as black heads. I've also got a sudden spike in acne but i'm hoping the LED light can kill the acne virus
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Treatment for Acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Detailed Answer:
Hi. Hope you fine.

Thank you for writing back to us at healthcaremagic

As discussed with you in my last online conversation, the major drawback of TCA peel is that it is frequently complicated by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation /PIH; PIH is a non-specific reaction to any inflammatory insult to the skin.
Even the slightest of sun exposure leads to PIH after TCA peel. Therefore it is of utmost importance to use a sunscreen after TCA peel and reapply every 2-3 hours.

Thus the dark spots that you see coming back, are actually part of PIH.

Since you have an acne prone skin therefore the peel that would suit you most is Salicylic acid peel (specific for acne).

Regarding LED light therapy, I have gone through the reviews as well as mechanism of action. Blue light is good for acne as it kills the acne causing bacteria i.e propionibacterium acnes.
It should basically be used as an adjunct to specific treatment of acne i.e besides Oral and Topical antiacne treatment, that I am going to mention below:

Since you also have active acne therefore you may use a topical antibacterial e.g clindamycin or benzoyl peroxide gel just as a spot treatment for active acne during day time.
At night you may use a topical retinoid e.g Adapalene gel, over the whole affected area.
Topical retinoids are antiinflammatory as well as comedolytic; therefore they help with both preexisting acne as well as prevent new acne formation.
Topical retinoids also help fade away the pigmentation/dark spots/PIH as a result of acne and from irritation to TCA peel.
I suggest you to use a mild/gentle cleanser for face wash, twice daily e.g cetaphil cleansing lotion.

It is important if you can visit a dermatologist for a review of your skin condition. Your dermatologist would know the best that can be done for your acne and pigmentation problem.
Your doctor may also start you on Oral antibiotics e.g doxycycline Or azithromycin Or minocycline since you have inflammatory acne.

Regarding the black dots which you mention in your query, I would prefer to have a look at them first and then suggest. Can you upload a clear digital Image of the skin bearing these dots?


Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)
The camera does not show it clear but it appears as black heads. I think the led light therapy should work. I ordered a topical steroid from XXXXXXX and I'll use that for now once it's here. I'll use it for a 2 weeks and then do the light therapy to see if that improved tone.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Topical steroid for dark spots only

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Topical steroid may be used for only dark spots. It would help fade away the dark spots. Don't use it over acne.
For active acne you may use either topical benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin gel, during day and adapalene gel during night.
Since adapalene is an effective comedolytic therefore it would help peel off blackheads as well.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (41 minutes later)
I have 10 percent benzoyl peroxide but I'll try what you suggested.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Use a lower strength of Benzoyl peroxide

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

10% benzoyl peroxide is too strong for face. 10% is for acne on torso/back.

For face a strength of 2.5%-5% benzoyl peroxide is acceptable.

You may mix it (in a ratio of 1 part in 2 parts) with a moisturizing cream and then apply it on acne.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (5 minutes later)
Great thank you for your help. I wish I could keep you updated as it process but the software does not allow it. Skin issues are always an issue I don't know why Indians have such terrible skin
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Do keep me updated.

You can write to me directly through my profile:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-kakkar-s/66939

Thank you for writing to us.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 minutes later)
Oh that's awesome. I have question. Can someone with acne marks and dark spots ever get completely perfect skin?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes, it is possible to clear up acne and spots

Detailed Answer:
Hi

It depends on the severity of acne involvement.

Mild to moderately severe acne can go away completely without scaring. Dark spots too.

Severe acne may leave behind some scaring.

Treatment should be appropriate to the severity of acne.

Ultimately, all acne can be made to resolve with treatment.

Regards
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. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Dark Spots And Uneven Skin Tone

Brief Answer: Treatment for Acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation Detailed Answer: Hi. Hope you fine. Thank you for writing back to us at healthcaremagic As discussed with you in my last online conversation, the major drawback of TCA peel is that it is frequently complicated by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation /PIH; PIH is a non-specific reaction to any inflammatory insult to the skin. Even the slightest of sun exposure leads to PIH after TCA peel. Therefore it is of utmost importance to use a sunscreen after TCA peel and reapply every 2-3 hours. Thus the dark spots that you see coming back, are actually part of PIH. Since you have an acne prone skin therefore the peel that would suit you most is Salicylic acid peel (specific for acne). Regarding LED light therapy, I have gone through the reviews as well as mechanism of action. Blue light is good for acne as it kills the acne causing bacteria i.e propionibacterium acnes. It should basically be used as an adjunct to specific treatment of acne i.e besides Oral and Topical antiacne treatment, that I am going to mention below: Since you also have active acne therefore you may use a topical antibacterial e.g clindamycin or benzoyl peroxide gel just as a spot treatment for active acne during day time. At night you may use a topical retinoid e.g Adapalene gel, over the whole affected area. Topical retinoids are antiinflammatory as well as comedolytic; therefore they help with both preexisting acne as well as prevent new acne formation. Topical retinoids also help fade away the pigmentation/dark spots/PIH as a result of acne and from irritation to TCA peel. I suggest you to use a mild/gentle cleanser for face wash, twice daily e.g cetaphil cleansing lotion. It is important if you can visit a dermatologist for a review of your skin condition. Your dermatologist would know the best that can be done for your acne and pigmentation problem. Your doctor may also start you on Oral antibiotics e.g doxycycline Or azithromycin Or minocycline since you have inflammatory acne. Regarding the black dots which you mention in your query, I would prefer to have a look at them first and then suggest. Can you upload a clear digital Image of the skin bearing these dots? Regards