How to treat hyperpigmentation caused by atopic dermatitis
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Atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema, causes dry skin, itching and inflamed. After an escape, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can develop, resulting in persistent dark patches.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is common in darker tones of skin, which naturally produce more melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its color.
Hyperpigmentation can take months or years to fade, and it can sometimes be more embarrassing than eczema itself.
After managing your atopic dermatitis, there are several treatments to try for discoloration of hyperpigmentation.
Topical retinoids, a form of vitamin A, are often used to treat acne, but they can also help to fade the hyperpigmentation of atopic dermatitis. These drugs work by increasing the speed at which your skin produces new cells, helping to remove dead skin from the skin and reveal new skin even to tones.
Certain research focused on people with darker skin tones have revealed that three commonly used retinoids – trretinoin, adapter and tazarotene – improved hyperpigmentation after about three months of regular use.
Study participants who used Trétinoine saw their dark spots improve up to 100%, which leads to complete compensation. With adapalène gel, about two -thirds have experienced less and lighter dark spots. Tazarotene has reduced hyperpigmentation by around 15%.
Topical retinoids can cause side effects, such as redness, drought, irritation and coat, in particular with stronger concentrations and frequent use. A dermatologist (a doctor specializing in skin conditions) can help you find the right dose of medication to minimize the risk of side effects.
Hydroquinone is a prescription skin lighting agent that you apply to your skin. It has been used for decades to treat dark spots, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
According to the same research on post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in people with darker skin tones, hydroquinone formulas of 2% and 4% have shown good results. When combined with other treatments, such as chemical peels or toutinoin, hydroquinone has reduced dark spots from 24 to 36% over 12 weeks.
Side effects may include drought, irritation, itching and a burning sensation.
Health care providers recommend using Hydroquinone for a limited time, generally with breaks between treatments. Long -term use of hydroquinone can lead to a condition called protectionwhere the skin becomes a bluish-black color, especially in people with darker skin tones.
During a chemical skin, a dermatologist applies a solution to your skin that takes off the upper layer. After the skin, it reveals uniformly tonic skin below.
For people with darker skin tones and hyperpigmentation from atopic dermatitis, several types of chemical peels have shown promising results. These include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, phytic acid and lactic acid.
In some research, salicylic acid takes off the dark spots lit by approximately 32%. Glycolic acid peels have reduced dark spots by around 50% after about five months. Lactic peels and physical acids also contributed to the discoloration of hyperpigmentation, but were less effective.
Chemical peels can sometimes cause inflammation and irritation, which can worsen hyperpigmentation in certain individuals, especially those with darker skin types. For this reason, it is best to see a dermatologist familiar with the treatment of the color skin.
Laser treatments use light energy to repair and regenerate damaged skin.
A health care provider can suggest it after topical creams have not worked. Laser treatment can be expensive and the results are not always consistent. Side effects, such as worsening hyperpigmentation, can occur if your health care provider uses the bad type of laser or parameters.
Garnet aluminum aluminum aluminum aluminum yttrium aluminum doped in neodymium (Laser therapy with switching q with q switching) has shown promising results for dark skin. In studies, receiving around six treatments with this laser has led to a significant improvement in dark points, some people noticing a complete clearing.
If you are considering laser treatments, be sure to see a health care provider that has experience in the treatment of darker skin tones. Ask them about their success rate with people who have your skin type, the risk of treatment and the results you can expect. Make sure your supplier knows what lasers are the safest for your skin type.
Other treatments can help melt the hyperpigmentation caused by atopic dermatitis. Not all are widely used or studied for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in dark skin tones, in particular. They may be worth chatting with a dermatologist:
- Azélaic acid: This gentle ingredient lighting the skin also fights inflammation and acne. It works by slowing down melanin production and soothing irritated skin. Studies show that Azélaic acid can work as well as hydroquinone for melasma discoloration, a type of facial hyperpigmentation. This can also help post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, although research is limited.
- Kojic acid: Made from mushrooms, kojic acid can help lighten dark spots by blocking an enzyme in your body that helps produce melanin. Kojic acid was mainly studied in melasma. Some people are developing skin irritation or an allergic reaction to kojic acid.
- Tranexamic acid (TXA): This medication can help stop bleeding, but can also help melt hyperpigmentation. In studies, the topical TXA has shown results similar to hydroquinone on darker skin with melasma, and it tends to have fewer side effects.
- Cystamine: This natural compound is a more recent option that can help lighten dark patches. Studies suggest that cyteamine works as well as or better than hydroquinone for some people, with fewer safety problems. The main drawbacks are light dryness, an occasional burning sensation and a notable odor.
- Cosmeceuticals: Ingredients such as arbutin, vitamin C, liquiritine (licorice extract) and niacinamide can help treat hyperpigmentation in darker tones. These natural options cause fewer side effects, although they generally take more time to show the results than prescription treatments.
To help reduce your risk of developing dark skin areas after a thrust of atopic dermatitis, try these strategies:
- Manage your atopic dermatitis: Keep your eczema under control by following your treatment plan and hydrating regularly to prevent flares. Immediately treat lighting rockets to reduce inflammation before you can cause hyperpigmentation.
- Use a sunscreen: Daily sun protection is a must. Look for a wide spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more and reappear it every two hours.
- Use protective clothing: Wear wide -sides hats and sun protective clothing outside. Try to avoid the peak hours of the sun, which are in the middle of the morning until the middle of the afternoon.
- Be soft with your skin: Scratch, friction or picking can trigger inflammation and worsen dark spots.
- See a dermatologist: Regular controls with a dermatologist who understands that your skin can help you manage atopic dermatitis and hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation of atopic dermatitis is common in darker skin tones.
After controlling your atopic dermatitis, you can approach hyperpigmentation with options such as retinoids, hydroquinone, chemical peels or laser therapy.
Treatments differ in efficiency and side effects. It is important to work with a dermatologist who knows your skin type.


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