What Treatments Do Dermatologists Recommend For Hyperpigmentation
Effective treatment for dark spots and patches begins with sunscreen. Whether youre treating the dark spots on your own or seeing a dermatologist, using sunscreen is essential when you’ll be outside. Applied daily, sunscreen can prevent new dark spots and patches. It can also help to clear existing ones.
Youll want to apply sunscreen to all skin that clothing wont cover.
To get the best result, dermatologists also recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat when youre outside.
To get the protection you need to prevent dark spots, use a sunscreen that offers all of the following:
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SPF 30 or higher
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One of these active ingredients, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide
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Non-comedogenic formula if you have oily skin
Are you tempted to skip the sunscreen because it leaves a white cast on your skin?
Consider using a tinted sunscreen, which can blend into your skin tone.
Eczema Sometimes Leads To Depigmentation
In some cases, inflammation causes not hyperpigmentation but rather depigmentation, which can be light or totally white. This depigmentation most often appears in children, on the face, and is more visible against dark skin. It is temporary and goes away with treatment.
In some cases, this depigmentation is more intense and long-lasting. Prolonged itching can sometimes produce full depigmentation , particularly on the legs. This is rare, however, and appears only in cases of severe atopic dermatitis in adults.
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Laser Therapy And Chemical Peels
Laser therapy and chemical peels can also have benefit, but they do come with a higher risk of adverse effects, including irritation.
Ablative laser procedures remove layers of skin, while non-ablative laser procedures can help tighten skin and promote the growth of collagen.
Your dermatologist can help you determine the best type of laser therapy for your skin type.
Chemical peels, like glycolic acid peels, remove the top layer of the skin, which can help get rid of patches of hyperpigmentation. You can get this procedure done at a dermatologists office or by a licensed aesthetician at a spa.
Research on using chemical peels for hyperpigmentation has found mixed results.
Chemical peels seem most effective when used with topical prescription medications like tretinoin and hydroquinone. According to Fowler, gentler lactic and mandelic acid peels may be a better option if you have sensitive, irritation-prone skin.
All of these treatments can increase your sensitivity to the sun, so its crucial to wear sunscreen daily while using them.
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How To Get Rid Of Scarring From Eczema
The severity of eczema scarring affects whether or not the scarring will go completely away or not. With the right products and changes in lifestyle to avoid triggers, its likely that light scarring will disappear over time. If scarring is dark and deep, however, the best option may be to simply lighten the scarring and use make-up to cover up the rest.
Can Home Remedies Help
If youre hoping to address eczema discoloration at home or searching for gentler alternatives to prescription treatment, you have a few options.
Fishman suggests considering skin care products with botanical ingredients known to promote lightening by slowing down melanin production. These include ingredients like:
She notes that youll likely need to use these products for at least 3 months in order to get results.
Another brightening skin care ingredient that may help lighten hyperpigmentation? Vitamin C.
According to Green, vitamin C can have benefit because it:
- has anti-inflammatory properties
- helps reduce the production of melanin
- has antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radicals from sun exposure
Vitamin B-3, which you might know as niacinamide, may also help prevent darker areas of pigmentation from rising to the top layer of your skin, where theyre visible.
Green also emphasizes the importance of using a moisturizer that repairs the skins natural protective barrier, which can promote healing and minimize discoloration. She recommends trying one with ingredients known to help to lock in moisture and repair the skin, including:
Experts agree that sun protection is key in preventing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Green recommends applying sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 50 daily and reapplying every 90 minutes.
Not only that, chronic scratching can lead to lichenification or scarring, Green explains. To help ease itching, she suggests instead:
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How Do You Treat Hyperpigmentation In Darker Skin Tones
Treatment depends upon whats causing your hyperpigmentation. The following explains the treatment for each cause:
A skin condition like acne, eczema, or psoriasis: To get rid of hyperpigmentation caused by a skin condition, you must effectively treat the skin condition first. When the breakouts or flare-ups stop, you get rid of whats causing the hyperpigmentation.
Most dark spots will then fade on their own over time, but it may take a long time.
Skin injury: As the wound heals, you may see a dark spot or patch. In time, the hyperpigmentation will fade if you dont re-injure your skin.
Skin care product: When a skin or hair care product irritates your skin, the product can cause dark spots on your skin.
If you’re seeing dark spots, try using gentler products. They’re less likely to irritate your skin.
Products that are gentle on the skin are often labeled “for sensitive skin.” You may also see “fragrance-free” on the label.
When your skin is no longer irritated, new dark spots tend to stop appearing and existing spots often clear on their own over time.
Some medications can cause dark spots
Dont stop taking medication, even if you think its causing dark spots on your skin. That could make you very sick. Ask the doctor who prescribed the medication if discolored skin is a possible side effect. If it is, ask if you could switch to another medication.
Topical Moisturizers Lotions And Creams
Several prescription and over-the-counter creams are available to help alleviate eczema symptoms and reduce scarring. Preparations with onion extract, aloe vera, vitamin E, honey, and green tea show mixed results for wound healing but are generally considered safe and may be beneficial for some people.
Various plant oils have been shown to improve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis and help protect the skin while it heals, potentially reducing the chance of scars. Promising ingredients for eczema may include:
Another common product for scar treatment is a skin-bleaching chemical called hydroquinone, which may reduce scar pigmentation. You can find hydroquinone in 2 percent concentrations over the counter, and higher potencies are available by prescription. When combined with a topical retinoid, hydroquinone is more effective. There are some health concerns about long-term use of hydroquinone, however. Its important to use hydroquinone with sunscreen, avoid contact with eyes, and discontinue use if your skin isnt tolerating it well.
If some scars are thicker or bumpy, topical silicone dioxide may help soften the skin.
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How To Treat Dark Spots
The first line of treatment is prevention. When eczema is better controlled, folks will have fewer dark spots. There are a couple home remedies and treatment options to consider, such as an eczema diet and decreasing sun exposure. Try eating anti-inflammatory foods and using sun protection, such as sunscreens and hats, on sunny days. A good skin care routine, including a moisturizer or lotion for dry skin, can also limit the effects of this skin condition.
You can also talk to your dermatologist about medical options, such as topical steroids, to prevent and treat eczema.
Even with the best efforts, you can still get dark spots and skin discoloration. When there are patches of hyperpigmentation, there are some options to treat and eliminate dark spots:
- Topical skin lightening creams that are applied to the affected areas of skin
- Your dermatologist can perform in-office procedures to help, such as superficial chemical peels
- A trained professional can also use laser surgery on the affected area
Eczema Coping Tips Good Hygiene
Skin affected by eczema is more vulnerable to a range of infections, including impetigo, cold sores and warts. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus may cause a secondary infection of impetigo, and possibly contribute to the symptoms of eczema.Suggestions for washing include:
- Take lukewarm baths or showers, and avoid really hot showers.
- Dont use ordinary soap, as the ingredients may aggravate your eczema. Wash your body with warm water alone. For armpits and groin, use soap-free products, such as sorbolene cream.
- Bath oils can help to moisturise your skin while bathing.
- When towelling dry, pat rather than rub your skin.
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Do Eczema Scars Go Away
It very much depends on how extensive your eczema scarring is, whether it will go away completely or not. Light scarring is likely to disappear over time, using the right products and taking steps to treat the causes of your eczema.
Sadly, if your eczema scarring is very dark and aggressive, you may only be able to lighten the scarring and then use effective cover up makeup to hide the rest. But all skin is different, even eczema prone skin, so dont give up hope.
What Cant I Eat Or Drink With Breast Eczema
The connection between breast eczema and food/drink allergies is unclear. If you have food allergies, then one of the reasons why you must avoid those foods is that they may cause or worsen your breast eczema. Examples of common allergies include peanuts, dairy, eggs, sugar, alcohol and gluten. Pay attention to what you eat. If your breast eczema flares up after you eat a particular food, then you might be allergic to it.
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Medical Treatment For Eczema
Eczema cant be cured. But it can be managed by preventing and treating flare-ups as soon as they appear.
If your childs skin is inflamed and itchy, theyll probably need some corticosteroid ointment or cream. For mild eczema, you can buy mild corticosteroids over the counter at your pharmacy. The most common is hydrocortisone 1% cream. For more serious eczema or if the over-the-counter products arent working, youll need to see your GP to get a prescription for a stronger corticosteroid.
Other eczema treatments include pimecrolimus, a non-steroidal cream. Doctors might prescribe this cream for children with mild to moderate eczema on the face and in body folds.
If your child is scratching at a rash, you could ask your pharmacist or GP about using an antihistamine medication for a few days. Together with a corticosteroid cream, this might give your child some rest and help the flare-up to settle.
If your childs eczema rash gets infected, your doctor will prescribe a course of oral antibiotics.
How Can You Tell The Difference Between Pagets Disease And Eczema
Pagets disease of the breast is a rare form of breast cancer that involves the skin of the nipple and can extend onto the areola. It has many of the same symptoms as breast eczema, which can sometimes lead to a misdiagnosis. These symptoms include:
- Itching, tingling or discoloration in the nipple area.
- Flaky, crusty or thickened skin.
- A flattened or turned in nipple.
- Yellow or bloody leakage from the skin of the nipple.
However, there are differences between Pagets disease and eczema. Pagets disease may affect your nipple, while eczema rarely affects your nipple. Pagets disease also typically only affects one breast, while eczema affects both breasts and other parts of your chest.
Pagets disease wont respond to the same treatments as eczema. The tests used to diagnose Pagets disease include:
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How Eczema Affects The Skin
Eczema looks different depending on a persons skin type.
On light skin, eczema typically causes inflamed pink or red patches that are dry and itchy. These lesions are harder to detect on dark skin tones.
When people with light skin scratch eczema lesions, hyper and hypopigmentation can occur. Skin pigmentation can progress gradually, and its subtle changes make it hard to detect.
People with dark skin tones are more likely to get hyper and hypopigmentation. They are also more likely to have follicular prominence, which is when eczema presents as small, itchy bumps called papules. These mainly appear on the forearms and torso.
Removing Dark Spots And Scars
To get rid of eczema scarring on the skin, you can try using products that help lighten the skins appearance. Products that say lightening can be applied directly onto the scar to reduce the eczema scars appearance.
Eating foods rich in vitamin C and Collagen can also help to brighten the skins appearance, and reduce the appearance of dark spots!
Because of eczemas itching and redness, most of us are left with eczema scarring on the skin.
Personally my skin had so much scarring from eczema. I had dark spots all over my legs and arms. These days Ive found it really helps to include foods that help boost new skin production and get rid of eczema scarring.
My favorite thing to reduce scars and dark spots is to take a collagen supplement.
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Medical Treatments Or Eczema On Face
If the home remedies dont make any improvement of eczema on your face, then its understandable and advisable to try out medical treatment. First, visit a specialist or dermatologist before trying out any facial cream or procedure to deal with eczema. Here are the medical treatments of eczema on face:
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How Do I Get Rid Of Eczema On My Breasts
Getting rid of breast eczema can be difficult if its cause is something you cant control, like genetics. However, you may have some control over your environment and stress levels. Try to determine what triggers or worsens your breast eczema, and then avoid it. The goal is to reduce itching and discomfort and prevent infection and additional flare-ups.
Consider these home remedies and tips:
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What Foods Should I Eat Or Avoid To Reduce My Risk Of Eczema
The connection between eczema and food allergies is unclear. If you have food allergies, then one of the reasons why you must avoid that food is that it may cause or worsen dermatitis. Examples of common allergies include peanuts, dairy, eggs, sugar, alcohol and gluten. Pay attention to what you eat. If your eczema flares up after you eat a certain food, then you might have an allergy to it.
If you dont have a food allergy then there are no foods, including chicken, that will cause or worsen your eczema.
How Long Does It Take To Get Rid It
The standard treatment for eczema are cortisone creams and you may see results within 5-10 days of using it. However it may take longer for your skin to clear depending on how severe the inflammation on the skin.
Studies suggest that a trigger identification and avoidance strategy can help most people see clear skin in 7-14 days. This involves actively avoiding the thing or trigger thats causing the breakout. Because you remove whats causing the red itchy skin, results can last a long time.
The good news about eczema is that it normally doesnt affect your everyday life, and most people wont even notice it.
If you have a flareup right now youre probably wondering how long it takes to get rid of it. The most common treatments , are cortisone or steroid creams.
However, recent studies suggest that topical steroid creams should only be used occasionally and not as long-term treatment.
Personally I found that while cortisone creams work in a couple of days, the effects dont last forever as promised. Once you stop using the cream, the eczema may come back. Did this ever happen to you?
Those of us who are looking for a more permanent solution to eczema, may benefit from doing a trigger identification and avoidance strategy. Basically, identifying what the thing is that is making you break-out, and then taking measures to avoid it .
In my video I talk about how I used this strategy!
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How Can You Tell The Difference Between Paget’s Disease And Eczema
Pagets disease of the breast is a rare form of breast cancer that involves the skin of the nipple and can extend onto the areola. It has many of the same symptoms as breast eczema, which can sometimes lead to a misdiagnosis. These symptoms include:
- Itching, tingling or discoloration in the nipple area.
- Flaky, crusty or thickened skin.
- A flattened or turned in nipple.
- Yellow or bloody leakage from the skin of the nipple.
However, there are differences between Pagets disease and eczema. Pagets disease may affect your nipple, while eczema rarely affects your nipple. Pagets disease also typically only affects one breast, while eczema affects both breasts and other parts of your chest.
Pagets disease wont respond to the same treatments as eczema. The tests used to diagnose Pagets disease include:
Skinbetter Science Alto Defense Serum
Melanin goes into overproduction in the sun to protect our skin from harmful UV/UB rays, causing them to look darker than your natural skin tone, Dr. Engelman says. These sun spots accumulate over the years. An antioxidant helps protect skin against free radical assaults by neutralizing oxidative stress that can cause cell damage.
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How To Use Topical Corticosteroids
When using corticosteroids, apply the treatment accurately to the affected areas. Unless instructed otherwise by your doctor, you should follow directions on the patient information leaflet that comes with the corticosteroid.
Do not apply the corticosteroid more than twice a day. Most people will only have to apply it once a day.
To apply the topical corticosteroid, take the following steps:
- apply your emollient first and ideally wait around 30 minutes before applying the topical corticosteroid, until the emollient has soaked into your skin
- apply a good amount of the topical corticosteroid to the affected area
- use the topical corticosteroid until the inflammation has cleared up, unless otherwise advised by your GP
Speak to your prescriber if you have been using a topical corticosteroid and your symptoms have not improved.