Home » Ask the Dermatologist

Marks or scars

I recently experienced a bad bout of acne and am left with dark marks from this. Someone was telling me that these are not scars and to treat it would be different than how one would treat scars. How do I treat these dark spots and how long before they lighten or go away?
H.V.

Dear H.V.,
The dark spots you see are pigments that are left behind when the skin is irritated – called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. They are seen after acne, or after any injury or treatment to the skin such as after a skin rash or after chemical peels. If left alone, the marks will fade over time. However if you want to remove them faster, you can use lightening creams containing hydroquinone and a sunblock. Sometimes your dermatologist may use lasers to remove them.

Answered by Dr. Joyce Lim | Tue, 2008/09/30 - 9:03pm

Comments

by sonia | Wed, 2009/10/21 - 2:18pm

Stretch marks on tummy

Hi, I am mother of 3 & have ugly looking Stretch marks on my tummy & just don’t like looking my self in the mirror

How do i get rid of this permanently with out going under the knives?

INDEMNITY: While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of information in this website, the publisher takes no responsibility for any circumstances whatsoever arising out of any errors, omissions or misrepresentations herein. Though medical experts are consulted in the articles appearing in this website, the information in this website should in no way be construed as medical advice. Please check with your doctor before undergoing any medical aesthetic procedure.All Rights Reserved. © Copyrights 2003 - 2011. No part of this publication may be reproduced whether by photocopying, recording, translation into other language or any means whatsoever without the prior written permission of the publisher. While freelance contributions are welcome, acceptance of material is not guaranteed. Manuscripts and photographs should be accompanied by stamped, self-addressed envelopes. The company accepts no responsibility for loss of damage to material submitted. Opinions expressed in COSMETIC SURGERY & BEAUTY are not necessarily those of the publisher's.