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

Suggest Treatment For Hypopigmented Patch

Posted on Sat, 26 Apr 2014

Question: I have a patch of skin that is lighter than the rest of my face. I am dark skinned (brown) and the scar is a bit darker than white. I believe this is hypopigmentation and I would like to know if there are any creams or over-the-counter products which could speed up the repigmentation process. I have been using cocoa butter but sometimes it clogs the pores so I cannot use a lot or it results in a bump. I am okay if any other creams do this as long as they darken the spot. It is contributing to my already existing social anxiety disorder. I really need treatment to repigment it so then I can use cosmetic make-up. At the moment the make-up is not enough to cover it up so I need it to blend a bit more. Are there any products that can do this (I do not want laser treatment or tattoo or anything that requires me to visit a doctor as I am based in the UK and waiting times are long, so a product is the best option). White patch caused by trauma to skin, a spot appeared, too much pressure was applied and then skin was pulled off after panicking. It has been 2 months and now a white patch remains. I have not attended school since. I need desperate help with my skin

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation;use tacrolimus Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic. I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your concern and I have understood it. However i would like to gather some more information from you in order to be able to help you better. --What was the trauma like? --What is the size of the patch of hypopigmentation? --Can you upload a clear picture?I can have a look at it and suggest you better. You seem to most likely suffer from, Post-Inflammatory Hypopigmentation /depigmentation. That can some times happen after skin denudation e.g injury sustained either in a road side accident OR more commonly after a skin burn. Now that your wound is healed, you could begin with an application of topical immunomodulator e.g tacrolimus 0.03% ointment twice daily (rub it in well with your fingers). Tacrolimus stimulates melanogenesis and would repigment the area. Another option is to use a moderately potent topical steroid e.g fluticasone propionate 0.05% cream/ointment, twice daily. Topical treatment might need to be used for a few weeks to appreciate the results. regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (19 minutes later)

I am not quite sure how to upload a photo on this page? Or I can email it to you if possible. The trauma was that the top layer of skin was removed so there was no skin over that area. It healed to produce just a white patch. I need a risk-free treatment that won't worsen it because I cannot currently perform everyday functions because of my existing medical condition.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation Detailed Answer: Hi. You can upload a picture in the reports section (kindly upload a clear picture, preferably 2-3 pictures) OR else you can mail me on my email ID YYYY@YYYY regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 minutes later)

I have uploaded it. Thank you. Please say if you need more.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Thanks for the pictures Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for the pictures. Good enough for me. I could see a central hypopigmented patch with surrounding ring of hyperpigmentation. I would suggest you to use a moderately potent topical steroid e.g fluticasone propionate 0.05% cream/ointment, twice daily. That would take care of both hypopigmentation as well as hyperpigmentation. regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (7 minutes later)

Thank you very much. I am very sorry to be bothersome but because of my anxiety disorder I must ask if this carries any risks or side-effects with it. Will this be more effective at reducing the appearance of the hypopigmentation than cocoa butter with vitamin E for example in the space of a few weeks? Is there any caution I should keep in mind or is it as simple as rubbing the ointment onto the scar twice daily? Again I apologise for the amount of questions!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Fluticasone propionate Detailed Answer: Hi. I am Ok with your questions. Yes, fluticasone propionate would be definitely more effective. You should notice improvement within 2-3 weeks. It is absolutely safe to use for a short period of 3-4 weeks. You don't need to rub it, rubbing was meant for tacrolimus not fluticasone. Just apply a thin layer over the affected area, twice daily. Fluticasone propionate is marketed by the name of 'Flovent cream' in USA and Canada. It is also available by another name: 'Cutivate cream'. In India it is available by the brand name, 'Flutivate cream'. Ideally you should get a prescription for it from a qualified dermatologist OR local care practitioner. 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