Suggest Treatment For Pigmentation

Posted on Fri, 24 Jan 2014

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

Fri, 24 Jan 2014 Answered on

Sat, 15 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. I was using Triluma and wasn't told by doctor not to wax. I waxed my upper lip three weeks ago and ripped off the skin. I now how a dark upper lip. I used Neosporin and have also been using Maderma for scar. Doesn't seem to be getting any better. I need help! Is it possible it will never go away completely or will it just take more time? What can I do to help it? (I stopped using Triluma but continue using Sunblock. I feel Triluma was worsening my skin)

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Pigmentation face Detailed Answer: Hi I understand your concern regarding your skin problem and I hope I am able to help you in the same. Now you were using a triple combination lightening skin cream over the face which lead to development of pigmentation over the face. You should definitely stop using the cream since it can aggravate the problem further. Now as of now, the most important thing is that you need to use a good sunscreen regularly. It should atleast have a spf above 26 and you should apply it atleast 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply it every three hours if you stay out in the sun. Now as far as the use of lightening agent is concerned, you can start using kojic acid two percent cream over the affected area twice a day. Now this is a mild lightening agent which will not cause any further damage to the skin. You can the it continuously for even more than a month depending upon the response. In addition, you can take oral vitamin c tablets for atleast four to six weeks. Hope it helps Please ask if you need any further clarifications Dr Geetika Paul

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

Follow up: Dr. Geetika Paul (11 minutes later)

So why is Triluma given for dark spots then if it does the opposite and leads to pigmentation? I was prescribed Triluma due to being self concious about my upper lip being darker and now I am worse off than before due to the waxing ordeal. Also, can I find Kojic Acid over the counter or is it prescribed? Is it likely to have a negative reaction to it? How much Vitamin C should I take a day? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Skin pigmentation Detailed Answer: Hi again Triluma cream is a very good lightening cream given for pigmentation of the skin. But it has to be use with great care. It has to be applied only at night. It is not to be rubbed into the skin and it has to be used with proper sunscreen protection. Rarely, if the cream is not used properly or if it is used for longer period of time continuously, then it can aggravate the skin pigmentation. In such cases, it has to be stopped immediately. You will get kojic acid two percent cream over the counter. You can take oral vitamin c tablets 500 mg once a day for a month. Dr Geetika Paul

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

Follow up: Dr. Geetika Paul (11 minutes later)

I can only find 4% kojic acid. Will that work? Should it be applied under the sunscreen or do I not need sunscreen? I spend very little time outdoors.

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: Pigmentation face Detailed Answer: Hi again Yes, kojic acid four percent would be even better. You need to apply it twice a day. In the morning, after washing face you can apply it first and rub it. Then after about ten to fifteen minutes, you can apply the sunscreen over it. It is very essential for you to use a sunscreen although your sun exposure is not too much. Dr Geetika Paul

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