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Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation (PIH) is a common acquired pigmentary disorder that is more prominent in skin of color. It represents an acquired partial or total loss of skin pigmentation due to cutaneous inflammation, sequelae of inflammatory or infectious dermatoses, or dermatologic procedures.

How long does post-inflammatory hypopigmentation take to fade?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation (PIH) result from irritated, inflamed or injured skin. PIH is harmless and does not need any treatment. The skin heals and returns to its normal colour within six months in most people, but it might sometimes take longer.

How do you fix post-inflammatory hypopigmentation?

Post-inflammatory Hypopigmentation of Skin | Doctor Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation presents as poorly defined whitening of the skin, which is irregular in outline. Often the loss of pigment is partial rather than complete. The surface is usually normal but scaling may be present if the underlying cause is scaly (such as eczema or psoriasis).

• – this is normally well defined, geographic in shape and there is complete loss of pigment.
• – this is made up of coalescing oval/round macules which may be slightly scaly.
• Pityriasis alba – this is seen on the face of children as slightly scaly, poorly defined macules and patches. It is common in children with dark skin but is seen on lighter skins in the summer. It is assumed to be a mild form of eczema with hypopigmentation.
• Hypopigmented – a slow progressive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
• Naevus depigmentosus – a congenital non-progressive hypopigmented macule or patch that is stable in its relative size and distribution throughout life.
• Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis – this causes widespread hypopigmented macules on the arms and legs of middle-aged women and elderly men and women.

It may be possible to make the diagnosis on clinical grounds, based on the appearance, size, site and distribution of lesions, the age of the patient and the sex of the patient. However, skin scraping for mycology and/or biopsy for histopathology may be necessary.

Laser scanning microscopy may be helpful in diagnosing post-inflammatory hypopigmentation disorders and may offer an alternative to invasive methods. Treatment of the underlying condition is the mainstay of management. With sun exposure the white areas should eventually repigment unless scarring has occurred.

A 308 nm excimer laser has been used to stimulate pigmentation in resistant cases, but regular treatment is needed to maintained results. Creams are available that can be used to camouflage the lighter patches. They are different to skin creams used for make-up because they are designed to last longer and provide heavier masking.

• ; A phototoxic drug reaction due to topical NSAIDs. Clin Case Rep.2022 Jan 2010(1):e05251. doi: 10.1002/ccr3.5251. eCollection 2022 Jan.
• ; A concise approach to childhood hypopigmentation. J Cutan Aesthet Surg.2013 Apr6(2):73-4.
• ; Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides: a review of its clinical features and pathophysiology. An Bras Dermatol.2013 Nov-Dec88(6):954-60. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20132336.

1. ; DermNet NZ
2. ; Primary Care Dermatology Society (PCDS), July 2021
3. ; Treatment of nevus of Ota using low fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Int J Dermatol.2013 Jul 8. doi: 10.1111/ijd.12085.
4. ; A practical classification of childhood hypopigmentation disorders. Acta Derm Venereol.201090(1):6-11. doi: 10.2340/00015555-0794.
5. ; An approach to hypopigmentation. BMJ.2017 Jan 12356:i6534. doi: 10.1136/bmj.i6534.
6. ; Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides in a chinese woman. Indian J Dermatol.2013 Mar58(2):161. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.108093.
7. ; Is spontaneous disappearance of nevus depigmentosus possible? Ann Dermatol.2012 Feb24(1):109-11. doi: 10.5021/ad.2012.24.1.109. Epub 2012 Feb 2.
8. ; American Osteopathic College of Dermatology
9. ; Comprehensive understanding of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis: clinical and histopathological correlation. Int J Dermatol.2010 Feb49(2):162-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2009.04209.x.
10. ; Vulvar lesion mimicking vitiligo: A case report. Case Rep Womens Health.2020 Jun 2227:e00234. doi: 10.1016/j.crwh.2020.e00234. eCollection 2020 Jul.
11. ; In vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy of hypopigmented macules: a preliminary comparison of confocal images in vitiligo, nevus depigmentosus and postinflammatory hypopigmentation. Lasers Med Sci.2010 Jul25(4):551-8. doi: 10.1007/s10103-010-0764-2. Epub 2010 Feb 24.
12. ; Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis Treated with 308-nm Excimer Light and Topical Bimatoprost. J Cutan Aesthet Surg.2021 Jan-Mar14(1):115-117. doi: 10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_112_20.

: Post-inflammatory Hypopigmentation of Skin | Doctor

Can post-inflammatory hypopigmentation be permanent?

Abstract – Postinflammatory hypopigmentation is a common cause of acquired hypopigmentary disorders. It can be a result of cutaneous inflammation, injury or dermatological treatment. There are also many specific conditions that present with hypopigmentation other than postinflammatory hypopigmentation.

Most cases of postinflammatory hypopigmentation improve spontaneously within weeks or months if the primary cause is ceased; however, it can be permanent if there is complete destruction of melanocytes. This article reviews the aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, differential diagnosis and therapeutic options for postinflammatory hypopigmentation.

© The Author(s). CED © 2011 British Association of Dermatologists.

Can post-inflammatory hypopigmentation not go away?

Does Hypopigmentation Go Away On Its Own? – Post inflammatory hypopigmentation, that is loss of coloration due to scarring usually goes away on its own. But it can take anywhere between a few weeks to a few months to disappear completely depending on the extent of the scar.

How do you know if hypopigmentation is permanent?

There are many treatments for hyperpigmentation. There aren’t nearly so many for hypopigmentation. – 1. If you have post inflammatory hypopigmentation from a skin injury or skin rejuvenation procedure, you may want to wait before seeking treatment. most people get spontaneous improvement within a period of weeks or months.

1. But if the melanocytes (that give skin color) are destroyed, the color loss will be permanent.
2. Post inflammatory hypopigmentation is treated with steroid creams, light or laser treatments, and skin grafting.2.
3. Prescription medications can help to repigment light spots.
4. May help especially in people whose color loss was from a laser treatment.

V-Tar is another prescription your doctor may order. It is a coal tar topical medication that has worked well for people with vitiligo. 3. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) is used to treat many skin conditions, It can also stimulate your pigment producing cells (melanocytes) to produce melanin thereby re-pigmenting light spots and areas of hypopigmentation.4. If you have light spots caused by a skin disorder like vitiligo, (shown above right) the treatment usually includes prescription medications.

1. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder that causes white patches of skin.
2. People with vitiligo get hypopigmentation because their white blood cells attack and kill the cells which give their skin color.
3. When these melanocytes are destroyed, they don’t come back.
4. So people with light spots over more than half of their body may want their dark spots lightened to match the rest of their body.

In cases like this doctors use skin lighteners like hydroquinone or Tri-Luma. Some people with 5.

IPL stands for intense pulsed light, You may also have heard it called a photofacial, BBL (broadband light), or photorejuvenation. It treats sun damage, dark spots and rosacea. This kind of light treatment targets brown and red chromophores. For people with greater than half of their skin affected by hypopigmentation, using IPL to treat the melanin in unaffected skin can create a more even skin tone. The 308-nm excimer laser was studied in the treatment of white stretch marks and scars that had lost melanin. Patients were treated every 2 weeks for a maximum of 10 treatments. Each patient achieved a 100% correction to the eye and a 75% increase by colorimetric measurement () BUT maintenance treatments were required every 1 – 4 months to retain the color. This, was done on hypopigmented scars on the faces of 7 patients. A 1550-nm Fraxel laser was used to treat all 7 patients.6 out of 7 got a 51 – 75% improvement in color after 2 – 4 treatments spaced every 4 weeks. The last patient measured at a 26 – 50% improvement. Fractional resurfacing also evens skin tone with a mixture of hypo and hyperpigmentation.

6. Micro-Needling works to reduce scars and hypopigmentation. This method uses needles to pierce the skin without removing tissue. Your body reacts to these micro-injuries by forming new collagen and elastin. Our bodies won’t replace the scar tissue completely, especially if the scar is deep; but they will replace the parts that are injured by micro-needling.

This creates a mixture of scar tissue and normal tissue and results in a smoother, better looking, softer scar. Indented scars fill and raised scars flatten. Needling a hypo-pigmented scar will also cause your pigment producing cells to move from the surrounding skin into the scar, improving its color.

Learn more on our page.7. If none of these work, some doctors will recommend skin grafting or blister grafting, During this procedure, your doctor creates a blister on an part of your skin with normal color. Then he or she removes the top of the blister and reattaches it to the area without pigment.8.

Another interesting option is being researched. It treats light spots and hypopigmentation using bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% (also know as Latisse and Lumigan) in combination with the Fraxel laser and topical retin-A. Bimatoprost increases pigment production, while the Fraxel and retin-A allow the bimatoprost to better penetrate the skin.

There are a few studies, but more research is needed.

All were treated with 1 – 4 sessions of the Fraxel re:store followed by twice daily application of bimatoprost and evening application of retin-A,025% cream. Each patient was evaluated in 1 – 6 month intervals and each was compared to pictures taken before treatment. “All five patients uniformly demonstrated clinically significant repigmentation, and they responded almost immediately,” explained the study’s author, Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick, M.D., Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre in La Jolla, CA, and Volunteer Clinical Professor at University of California San Diego. Unfortunately, there was no study of the long term effects; but the results were maintained over a long period of time. One patient’s results even lasted about 3 years. Another combined fractional laser treatments with topical bimatoprost, a PGA (a hydrating ingredient), and tretinoin (like retin-A) or pimecrolimus (a topical immunosuppressant). There was a greater than 50% improvement in over 85% of the patients treated. Bimatoprost is considered a very safe drug as well. As you know, so some people may worry about hair growth. Because scar tissue doesn’t have hair follicles, there is a very low chance of hair growth.

9. Finally, if the, camouflaging with makeup, cosmetic tattooing or permanent makeup are good options.

Airbrush makeup is typically used to cover large or small areas with hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation. Learn more in our article, Tattoos can be used to cover light spots. The tattoo artist uses a pigment that matches the color of your surrounding skin to make the light spots barely noticeable. It’s called cosmetic tattooing, permanent makeup, or paramedical tattooing. Check out She is amazing! Dermablend makeup was created by a dermatologist and his makeup artist wife to solve the complexion problems that skincare could not.

None of the methods work perfectly, so you’ll need to work with your provider to find what will work best for you, Initially, you may have had dark spots removed, which in turn caused light spots. The next best step is to find a method that will blend the dark and light spots – as they’re often a package deal.

Sorry to tell you! And be sure to wear sunscreen to prevent more problems! Good luck! Masterpiece Skin Restoration is your online resource for all things medical aesthetics, beauty, and wellness. We keep you up to date on leading edge technology and the services available to help you restore your natural beauty.

We have all the information you need to restore your skin.

Does vitamin C help hypopigmentation?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is used as a treatment modality in depigmentation of hyperpigmented spots on the skin and gingiva.

How do you Repigment white scars?

Answered 2014-10-19 This is a difficult situation. They cannot be removed but their appearance may be improved. Trying to “re-pigment” these scars can be time consuming and costly but it is an option. An Excimer Laser or ReLume device is used for this. Another option is to trying and lighten the skin adjacent to the white scars you have. This can be done with laser ablations of the adjacent skin. Answered 2014-10-20 All scars can be improved, some almost made invisible. There are many techniques for treating the scars including: excision, laser, injection, pressure and many others depending on the presentation. You should see your plastic surgeon to discuss the scar treatment. Answered 2014-11-12 Scars can be improved but not removed. Trunk & extremity scars can do especially poorly with scar revision. An examination would be of great assistance in giving a determination of the best options for a course of treatment of your scars. Consider a consult with an ASAPS Member in your area. Best, Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS

Is hypopigmentation always vitiligo?

Hypopigmented spots that are NOT vitiligo – If the spots are not truly white, but hypopigmented and not depigmented (they don’t enhance by Wood’s lamp), then they are NOT vitiligo and could be any number of different diseases and conditions. I’ll list a few of the most common ones here.

Both IGH and nevus depigmentosus (described above) can also be hypopigmented instead of depigmented. They look similar and are located on the same areas of the body. Nevus anemicus is a common birthmark that looks lighter than surrounding skin, although it is actually not different in pigment at all. It is due to a lower blood supply to that area of skin, so it is less pink than surrounding skin and thus looks lighter.

It actually disappears completely for a few seconds when you apply pressure to the area because the surrounding blood in the vessels is pressed out. It reappears once the blood rushes back into it. Individuals with tuberous sclerosis can have light areas of skin called ash leaf spots, but they usually have other more cleare signs of this condition as well. Melasma Tinea versicolor (also called pityriasis versicolor) causes lighter spots on the chest and back, get scaly if scratched with a fingernail, and are caused by a common fungus that isn’t dangerous. It’s easily treated with an antifungal therapy. Tinea versicolor Progressive macular hypomelanosis looks a lot like tinea versicolor but without the scale, most commonly affecting the chest and back. Progressive macular hypomelanosis It is pretty easily treated with nbUVB therapy, similar to vitiligo. Inflammation or wounds can be lighter than the surrounding skin once they’re healed, this is called post-inflammatory hypopigmentation (PIH). Atopic dermatitis or eczema does this commonly on areas of the body where this disease occurs, such as the cheeks, front of the elbows, or back of the knees, and it’s sometimes called pityriasis alba when this is the case. Pityriasis alba Discoid lupus (also called chronic cutaneous lupus) is usually located on the head and neck, causing lighter spots surrounded by dark areas, as well as permanent hair loss. Discoid lupus Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (or just lichen sclerosus, LS) is usually located on the genitals and causes light spots (sometimes completely white). It usually also causes symptoms like itching or pain, with fissuring or open cracks in that area that can be sore. Morphea Sarcoidosis can occasionally cause light spots on the skin that look like vitiligo, although it usually looks quite different. Sarcoidosis can also affect the lungs and other organs and should also be treated aggressively. Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides (MF) or cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a very, very rare skin lymphoma that causes light spots on the skin most commonly only in sun-protected areas, or “bathing suit distribution”. Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides There are some VERY RARE infections that can cause light spots on the skin, and these include a form of leprosy (tuberculoid leprosy), secondary syphilis (a rash that occurs after the genital sore or chancre clears up), and pinta. Leprosy Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease preceded by a genital sore (sometimes not noticed, though), and easily treated by penicillin once diagnosed. Secondary syphilis Pinta is only found in small areas of northern South America and causes white areas on the hands, wrists, and feet. I’ve never met anyone who has ever seen Pinta, so it’s not around much anymore. Pinta

What does post-inflammatory hypopigmentation look like?

Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation – What causes post-inflammatory hypopigmentation? Inflammation (such as eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis) and trauma to the skin (such as cryotherapy or liquid nitrogen burns) may cause a temporary lightening of the skin and decrease in pigmentation by affecting the way melanocytes (pigment cells) work and produce melanin (pigment).

What does post inflammatory hypopigmentation look like? The condition presents as flat, non-scaly and lighter-than-normal areas of skin. What other problems can occur with post-inflammatory hypopigmentation? Although this condition affects men and women equally, it is more pronounced in people with skin of colour (pigmented skin) as the contrast between affected and non-affected skin is more noticeable.

How is post-inflammatory hypopigmentation diagnosed? The condition is usually diagnosed by means of a physical examination carried out by your dermatologist. In some cases a skin biopsy may be needed to distinguish this condition from other skin conditions that may have a similar appearance.

Acquired hypopigmentation may need to be differentiated from conditions such as pityriasis alba, pityriasis versicolor, vitiligo, lichen sclerosus and scarring. How is post-inflammatory hypopigmentation treated? Cosmetic camouflage techniques (such as cosmetic foundations and concealers) can be used to blend the normal and affected skin until the condition resolves.

What is the prognosis/ likely outcome of post-inflammatory hypopigmentation? Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation is a benign (harmless) process but may have significant cosmetic and psychosocial implications. The condition usually resolves in weeks to months.

Do Hypopigmented scars fade?

White scars, or ‘hypopigmented’ scars, are due to a loss of melanocytes that manufacture pigment. This loss is usually permanent, but can sometimes be improved by fractional laser resurfacing, which allows some of the pigment cells to migrate back into the lighter-colored skin areas.

How can I even out my skin tone from hypopigmentation?

Treatment for Hypopigmentation –

Topical ointments like TriLuma and Hydroquinone are very effective against hypopigmentation. They help to even out the skin tone by bleaching the entire skin surface. Ginger is known to have excellent effects against hypopigmentation. Recent research has established that the application of ginger root can help you get rid of all the hypo-pigmented scars. Take some grated ginger root and dab it on the affected area. Repeat this twice a day for the quickest results. IPL or Intense Pulse Light Treatment is often prescribed by dermatologists as a remedy for hyperpigmentation problems. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are also known to have some beneficial effects on hypopigmentation.

However, some cases of hypopigmentation are totally unresponsive to medications. In such cases, the best option is to hide the de-pigmented area with some sort of makeup. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions! Update From Lybrate: Keeping your skin healthy is very important, therefore, we suggest you choose the Skin Care Products according to your skin type requirements and usages at Lybrate.

Why won t my post inflammatory hyperpigmentation go away?

Summary – PIH is dark spots left on the skin after a pimple heals. It doesn’t damage the skin, so it doesn’t cause pits or raised scars on the skin. PIH usually heals over time without treatment, but it can take up to a couple of years. Some spots may never fade.

How can I restore melanin in my skin?

How to Increase Melanin With Vitamins | Long Island, NY Summer reminds us how important it is to protect ourselves from the strong UV radiation we are so easily exposed to. Because sun damage increases your risk of skin cancer, it’s necessary to take precautions.

• This is especially true if you lack high levels of melanin.
• Melanin is created by melanocyte cells and is responsible for strengthening pigments in the skin, preventing your chances of sunburn.
• One of the best ways you can build and maintain your number of melanocytes is to increase your vitamin intake.

Here are three types of that can help: Vitamin A. Boosting your intake of vitamin A is the number one way to restore melanin in the skin. Taking daily supplements or eating animal and plant-based foods that contain this source of nutrient can be great resources.

Some animal-based foods include whole or skim milk, eggs, cheese, and beef. Also, try plant-based foods like carrots, papaya, red peppers, tomatoes, and mango. Vitamin C. Not only is vitamin C a powerful source of antioxidants, but it also plays a significant role in protecting your cells from the sun damage.

An obvious choice is to incorporate more oranges into your diet. Other options include grapefruit, strawberries, kiwi, and of course, dietary supplements. Vitamin E. This vitamin is known for being extremely beneficial for your skin. By taking more of this supplement, you can keep melanocytes out of harms way.

Vitamin E neutralizes free-radicals, which is ultimately what protects your skin. Excellent sources that contain this type of nourishment include fatty acid foods like vegetable oils, sunflower seeds, nuts, and whole grains. There you have it – three vitamins that can increase your levels of melanin and decrease your chances of skin problems.

At Island Plastic Surgery, we understand how important it is to take good care of our skin, which is why we offer a wide variety of that can keep you looking and feeling healthy. Call us today at 516.977.9922 or visit our for more information. : How to Increase Melanin With Vitamins | Long Island, NY

How rare is hypopigmentation?

Affected populations – Oculocerebral Syndrome with Hypopigmentation is an extremely rare disorder that affects males and females in equal numbers. Fewer than 15 cases have been reported in the medical literature. Most of these observed cases occurred within families.

Abnormally small eyes and lack of skin and hair color are usually apparent at birth (congenital). Neurological abnormalities (e.g., athetoid movements, ataxia, etc.) may become apparent by three months of age. Some affected infants exhibit abnormally enlarged gums (gingival fibromatosis) when the first teeth emerge from the gums (at age six months to three years).

Other symptoms (e.g., developmental delays, mental retardation, etc.) may become apparent later during infancy or childhood.

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Is hypopigmentation scarring?

Hypopigmented Scars – White scars or hypopigmented scars are one of the most difficult types of scarring to correct. This is because pigment cells have been destroyed. The most common cause is physical destruction due to picking. Re-pigmentation is achieved when other pigment cells migrate to the white patches. It can take up to 6 months to see results.

Can you reverse hypopigmentation?

What’s the difference between hypopigmentation and vitiligo? – Vitiligo is a disorder that causes your skin to lose its color. Hypopigmentation is a symptom of vitiligo. A note from Cleveland Clinic Sometimes, your skin cells produce too little pigment.

• This can create patches of skin that look lighter than your surrounding skin.
• Hypopigmentation may improve or go away on its own.
• If a skin condition causes hypopigmentation, medications may help restore color to your skin.
• If you have a genetic condition, hypopigmentation may be permanent.
• Be sure to use sunscreen on your light patches of skin.

You may feel self-conscious if you have hypopigmentation. See your healthcare provider right away if it affects your mental health.

Will Hypopigmented skin tan?

Abnormal skin color needs attention Last month we talked about zinc-based sunscreen and the importance of using one year round, not just in the summer sun. This month, I’d like to talk to you about some causes of abnormal skin coloring, referred to as “hypopigmentation” in medical jargon. Basically, hypopigmentation is skin that won’t tan, or looks lighter than the rest of your normal skin color. As most people like to have tan skin in the summer, when one or more areas doesn’t tan it can be very concerning. Children and teens can have a few different skin disorders that prevent tanning. This article will address a few common causes of hypopigmentation. Pityriasis alba Probably the most common cause of white/light spots in kids is a condition called pityriasis alba. While it can appear anywhere on the body, many children develop spots on their faces. Pityriasis alba can be seen year round, but it becomes very dramatic in the summer sun. The condition usually is due to dry skin. Children with this condition likely have a history of eczema or atopic dermatitis. If the skin has been inflamed or is severely dry, the melanocytes (cells that give the skin its color) in that area do not react to UV light the same as they do in non-affected or dry skin areas. The result is light spots that may look scaly and feel rough in texture. Your child also may have itching in these areas. Treatment is very simple. Use a gentle cleanser and a good moisturizer (products such as CeraVe work well) applied two or more times daily. Rarely, a prescription for a low-potency corticosteroid is necessary. Even with treatment, it can take a while for the melanocytes to get back on track, so evening out of the skin tone may take several months. Tinea versicolor Another common cause of discolored or light spots is tinea versicolor. This rash usually affects teens as well as young adults and is very common in the warmer, more humid months of the year. Facial involvement is rare. Instead, tinea versicolor looks like multiple small (less than 1 centimeter) round spots, usually on the chest, back and sometimes the creases of the elbow. It usually does not itch and is not contagious. Tinea versicolor is believed to be the result of an overgrowth of yeast known as Malessezia that is considered to be a normal part of our skin’s makeup. The spots may be covered with a very fine scale, and they also can be tan or pink. Prescription antifungal medications are needed to treat this rash, and topical and/or oral medicines are necessary depending on the age of the patient and the extent of the rash. Again, even with treatment, complete evening of the skin tone may take several months. Unfortunately, tinea versicolor tends to reoccur frequently. Vitiligo Lastly, vitiligo is a more serious medical condition that can cause complete loss of pigmentation. On a fair-skinned person, the spots may only be noticeable with a tan, but on someone with ethnic or darker skin, vitiligo can be very distressing. The face is commonly affected, as are the hands, elbows, knees and feet. Vitiligo does not cause itching or pain. It is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the melanocytes, preventing them from producing melanin, the substance that gives skin its color. Children and adults can be affected. There may be other autoimmune processes going on, so an evaluation by a dermatologist is important in determining the diagnosis, evaluating for other symptoms and initiating treatment early to help get the melanocytes working again. It also is very important to use zinc-based sunscreen on all of these areas. They have no natural sun protection, and therefore are prone to sunburns and future skin cancers. If you notice light spots on you or your child’s skin this summer, make sure to call and schedule an evaluation with your dermatologist. The reasons for hypopigmentation can be varied and some may be serious, so a medical evaluation is always a good idea. A dermatologist is experienced in evaluating and treating pigment disorders and can ensure the correct diagnosis, evaluation and treatment. is a mother of two and a physician assistant at Skin Solutions Dermatology in Nashville. Michelle is a regular contributor for Music City Moms, an online community for local moms offering a message forum and a blog full of articles for parents. Find it at, : Abnormal skin color needs attention

Does bio oil help hypopigmentation?

Bio-Oil may help reduce the appearance of scars, help reduce hyperpigmentation, soften wrinkles, and could potentially help to prevent acne.

Do Hypopigmented scars fade?

White scars, or ‘hypopigmented’ scars, are due to a loss of melanocytes that manufacture pigment. This loss is usually permanent, but can sometimes be improved by fractional laser resurfacing, which allows some of the pigment cells to migrate back into the lighter-colored skin areas.

How do you Repigment white scars?

Answered 2014-10-19 This is a difficult situation. They cannot be removed but their appearance may be improved. Trying to “re-pigment” these scars can be time consuming and costly but it is an option. An Excimer Laser or ReLume device is used for this. Another option is to trying and lighten the skin adjacent to the white scars you have. This can be done with laser ablations of the adjacent skin. Answered 2014-10-20 All scars can be improved, some almost made invisible. There are many techniques for treating the scars including: excision, laser, injection, pressure and many others depending on the presentation. You should see your plastic surgeon to discuss the scar treatment. Answered 2014-11-12 Scars can be improved but not removed. Trunk & extremity scars can do especially poorly with scar revision. An examination would be of great assistance in giving a determination of the best options for a course of treatment of your scars. Consider a consult with an ASAPS Member in your area. Best, Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS

Is hypopigmentation permanent after chemical peel?

Risks – A chemical peel can cause various side effects, including:

Redness, scabbing and swelling. Normal healing from a chemical peel involves redness of the treated skin. After a medium or deep chemical peel, redness might last for a few months. Scarring. Rarely, a chemical peel can cause scarring — typically on the lower part of the face. Antibiotics and steroid medications can be used to soften the appearance of these scars. Changes in skin color. A chemical peel can cause treated skin to become darker than normal (hyperpigmentation) or lighter than normal (hypopigmentation). Hyperpigmentation is more common after superficial peels, while hypopigmentation is more common after a deep peel. These problems are more common in people with brown or black skin and can sometimes be permanent. Infection. A chemical peel can lead to a bacterial, fungal or viral infection, such as a flare-up of the herpes virus — the virus that causes cold sores. Heart, kidney or liver damage. A deep chemical peel uses carbolic acid (phenol), which can damage heart muscle and cause the heart to beat irregularly. Phenol can also harm the kidneys and liver. To limit exposure to phenol, a deep chemical peel is done a portion at a time, in 10- to 20-minute intervals.

A chemical peel isn’t for everyone. Your doctor might caution against a chemical peel or certain types of chemical peels if you:

Have taken the oral acne medication isotretinoin (Myorisan, Claravis, others) in the past six months Have a personal or family history of ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids) Are pregnant Have frequent or severe outbreaks of cold sores