DARK PATCHES ON SKIN FOLLOWING ITCHINESS

DR IKRMULLAH NASIR | SPECIALIST DERMATOLOGIST AND MEDICAL DIRECTOR AT DERMACARE DUBAI

Q What is the remedy for black spots due to itchiness? How can I get back my original complexion?

A You have not provided enough information about your condition for me to make even a differential diagnosis. However, I shall attempt to provide a very broad idea of what could be done. The reasons for skin itching could be varied. The more likely causes of itchy skin in adults are: simple allergic reactions of skin known as urticaria (commonly called hives). The urticarial skin eruptions are usually short-lived. So, it's extremely rare to see them leaving any dark spots on the affected areas. The second more common cause and probably more fitting into your case will be my suspicion of you suffering from a certain type of skin eczema. In these cases, eczema lesions can remain active for longer periods of time.

During their active phase, there is an acute or chronic inflammatory reaction which takes place in underlying skin layers. The same inflammatory reactions stimulate and ofen destory the pigment producing cells of the skin causing a residual post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) patches on previously eczema inflicted areas. Those from the subcontinent are the most common sufferers of PIH.

If PIH is the most probable diagnostic impression, the first line treatment will be to use skin lightening creams. Most of these creams contain hydroquinone as their active ingredient which can be used alone or in combination with retinoic acid preparations. There are other products too that have a skin lightening effect. Such treatments need to be used at least for 6 to 8 weeks. If this treatment effort fails, consult an experienced dermatologist. Second-line treatment plans usually include use of chemical skin peels and skin lightening lasers.