Child Was Burned By Hot Iron On Calf. Healed But Have Small Patches Of Hypopigmented Skin. Treatment?

Posted on Sat, 14 Sep 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 14 Sep 2013 Answered on

Fri, 4 Oct 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : My 10yr old daughter was accidentally burned by a hot iron on the middle part of her calf on the left leg. It healed within 3 weeks but they are small patches of hypopigmented skin that looks ugly. Is there any treatment for this pls. Pls I need your advice on this quickly.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
1% hydrocortisone cream...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

It seems she has developed burn related post inflammation hypopigmentation. 1% hydrocortisone cream can be used on such spots.

However if I were to be her treating doctor, I would recommend to wait for couple of weeks more before you try this steroid cream. I have seen many patients with similar spots getting back to normal skin colour and tone in 4-6 weeks after injury. Therefore wait for couple of weeks more. You can use the hydrocortisone cream if you don't see changes in the next 2 weeks.

Hope this helps. Write back for clarifications.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (15 minutes later)

How often and for how long do I use the cream. The wound is about a month old now. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Twice a day for 2 weeks...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Twice a day for 2 weeks application of steroid cream would be sufficient. If you do not see signs of improvement in 2 weeks time, you can visit a dermatologist who can prescribe stronger and more potent steroid preparation.

Hope this helps. Write back for clarifications.
Please close this discussion if your concerns are addressed.

Regards

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