LoveToKnow Skincare:AllComments

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Comments

Thanks for your comment, Alain. You were lucky! Many individuals deal with acne scars for years, and there are even products formulated to help people who've dealt with these scars for longer than just a few weeks. All cases are unique.

-- Contributed by: Tsharma

Dark spots left by acne, for example, usually clear up with about a year.

A year? nah i had it for like 2-3 weeks.

-- Contributed by: Alain

Deedee, that sounds like something a doctor should check out. Unfortunately it's very difficult to determine the causes of skin discoloration - professional opinions are your best bet.

-- Contributed by: Tsharma

my daughter has a large dark brown to bluish place on her leg. it has been there since last summer. she also has a large dark place on her upper abdomen, thats been there awhile also

-- Contributed by: deedee

Thanks for your question, CMT. I don't think there is any truth to the theory that bathing after sweating causes skin discoloration. If that were true, millions of gym-goers all over the world would have plenty to complain about!

However, it's tough to pinpoint the cause, since discoloration can be caused by so many different things. If the skin is raised, causes you discomfort or if you're simply worried, you may want to see your doctor. Otherwise, mild, over-the-counter lightening creams are available. They aren't guaranteed to work, but they may make a slight difference over time.

-- Contributed by: Tsharma

i have this patch of darker skin on my shoulder and i don't know what the cause. at first, i thought is temporary but it seems to be permanent. this patch of darker skin resembles like a map. one of my friend said it is because i bath after sweating. i am not sure about it. is there any cream or solution to this?

-- Contributed by: skinprob

Shelley, have you given the Ultraquin a fair amount of time to work? It's important to note that hydroquinone can often take quite a while to show visible results - in some cases, it may take a year. If your dermatologist told you otherwise, you may want to try another medication for the area.

-- Contributed by: Tsharma

Lauren, that's tough to determine without actually seeing it, but if the areas are firm to the touch you may want to have them checked just to rule out anything serious. It could easily be something as simple as dry, irritated skin. Good luck.

-- Contributed by: Tsharma

or about 2 years now (I am 52) the skin above my upper lip is noticeably darker. The pharmacist suggested Ultraquin a 4% hydroquinone cream but it is not working. No one seems to be able to offer a solution. Any helpful suggestions?

-- Contributed by: shellonwheels

I have a couple of slightly darker patches of skin on my back, they are not raised, sore, itchy etc but are kinda dry/rough. They dont seem to have changed in size or anything either. Wondering what they may be.

-- Contributed by: Lauren

Regarding the mole on your five year old, a_laselle, I would advise you to see a dermatologist. Since she's had it since birth, it's probably nothing to be alarmed about - but as she is so young it is best to get a professional opinion. Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Tsharma

Marg, it's hard to say without knowing some more information. Do the patches itch? Have they appeared suddenly? Are they dark with a reddish tint or more of a black tone? Are the patches raised? The reason for needing more detail is simply because there are so many causes of skin discoloration. You could just be dealing with a burn caused by excessive sun exposure, it could be an allergic reaction or an underlying skin condition. Let me know and I'll get back to you with a more thorough response.

I should add that if you are truly concerned, please visit your dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis. Best of luck!

-- Contributed by: Tsharma

i have dark patches on both cheeks and my neck. any idea what this maybe? thanks.

-- Contributed by: marg

My five year old has a small mole on her left cheek which has recently developed a small regular area of skin around it that is lighter than her surrounding skin. The mole is very small, and flat, and not alarming - she has had it since birth. The surrounding lighter area is about the size of a pencil eraser. Is this just an issue of pigmentation - or something that I should take her to the doctor to review? She is partly of hispanic decent, and tans easily.

-- Contributed by: skin lightening in 5 year old.

Rosanne, we're not doctors so we can't say for sure whether you've been misdiagnosed, but I can say that this type of itchiness on a raised patch (which I've experienced myself) is sometimes suggestive of eczema, which can be treated with prescription medication. It is important to keep the area moisturized, though. If Cetaphil doesn't seem to be doing the job, consider switching to another product. I've experienced quite a change for the better in my eczema-prone skin since I switched to Kiehl's new line of body care contained Argan Oil, which is a natural substance that has been shown to really eradicate and heal dry skin.

Good luck.

-- Contributed by: Tsharma

I have a darkened 2" long oval skin patch on my right shin. I believe it may have began with scratching some dry skin. It looks like a brown bruise. Sometimes it get itchy, red and ever so slightly raised. Usually it is just brown and smooth. I've had this discoloration for well over a year. The dermatologist has only recommended Cetaphil barrier cream and tells me it could take years to disappear. If it's just dry skin with discoloration and I'm using the cream 3 times a day then why the reddness and itching on occasion? I'm wondering if this is a correct diagnosis. Any suggestions? Thanks

-- Contributed by: Rosanne

Marie, what type of hat are you wearing? Make sure it's wide-brimmed so that your entire face is shaded from the sun. Baseball caps and visors are less effective.

-- Contributed by: Tsharma

The edges of my forehead have tanned more than the center. I wear a hat and use sunscreen. This creates the effect of a rectangular border.

-- Contributed by: Marie

Sounds like it could be Keratosis Pilaris, Charlotte. Many people have it, and it's harmless. It can show up almost anywhere, but is most commonly seen on the upper arms. It's also found occasionally on the thighs and buttocks. I strongly recommend DermaDoctor's specialized scrub and body cream for this very purpose. Of course, if you feel uncomfortable or are extremely worried, don't hesitate to see a dermatologist.

-- Contributed by: Tsharma

I have very small round white patches all over my body. (but mostly on my arms) And if you look closely at them there is a small red dot in the center of them. The one that I noticed on my head doesn't have hair that grows there. There not itchy or anything but I was just wondering what it is and what it's caused by. As I'm getting older I feel there are more then before....

-- Contributed by: Charlotte

Whigom, I assume you're running outside, in which case your skin discoloration could be caused by excessive sun exposure. If the discoloration bothers you, your best bet would be to start running indoors. If that's not possible, be sure you're slathering on the sunscreen. Wear a hat to keep your face doubly protected from harmful UV rays.

-- Contributed by: Tsharma

What causes skin discoloration in head & face? I'm a runner, can run a little over 5 miles in 45 minutes...in a little over an hour, can run 8 miles, which causes a bit of sweating. Can you help me?

-- Contributed by: Whigom

Diane, dark patches are generally the result of some direct cause as opposed to your diet. Diet does, however, play an important role in the overall condition of your skin. A healthy diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, good fats and water. You may want to consult with your dermatologist if you haven't already to determine what's causing those dark patches.

-- Contributed by: Tsharma

How big of a role does your diet play in skin discoloration (darker patchy areas)? Thanks

-- Contributed by: Diane

Charlie, that must be uncomfortable - I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with this. If you have access to a dermatologist, please schedule an appointment. It sounds to me like it could be some form of dermatitis (as you mention it's like itchy dandruff on your body). There is definitely no reason for you to keep suffering! The chances are great that there's a treatment or an over-the-counter moisturizer that will provide you some relief. Good luck.

-- Contributed by: Tsharma

i have a skin condition that i have had for almost two years now and i cannot figure out what it is. it is like red splotches all over my body, especially in the soft areas between my thighs. i've had it so long that the splotches have come together and it just really looks afflicted. where it isn't continuous splotches it is red spots. it itches constantly and it's like i have dandruff on my whole body everytime i scratch. what is this?

-- Contributed by: charlie jowers

Barbara, hyperpigmentation is associated with aging skin. Black skin is especially susceptible to it, so by all accounts from the information you've provided, this is an unfortunate but normal and natural occurrence. You may want to try a fade cream (such as one by Ambi). Good luck.

-- Contributed by: Tsharma

Irene, sorry to hear about your difficulties. That's definitely a challenging problem to have to deal with. Bleaching creams can only do so much, and ideally you wouldn't want to apply those to large areas of the body for long periods of time.

Unfortunately we can't provide medical assistance because we aren't doctors, but I would strongly advise you to seek another doctor's opinion to confirm that laser treatments will not help your condition. Good luck.

-- Contributed by: Tsharma

I am a black women,age 67, I began to se dark patches on the high parts of my cheeks, a hairless moustash and 3 dark spots in the center of my forehead. around my nose is lighter discolaration. and last I have a shadow of darker color on my chin. Is that enough ? got any answers?

-- Contributed by: Barbara J Thompson

Questions for you. i am under drs.care. i have Crest syndrome. diagn.2yrs ago.13 years ago face,neck, arms looked very tanned,during my pregnancy.now,i have really dark patches almost blusish on my whole back , face(forehead) and neck patches to my chest.tryed all kinds of bleaching creams. drs. say there is no help, other than the creams, not even laser and etc.what would you say in my case/ is there something to do to help me?

-- Contributed by: Irene Rodriguez

Thanks for your comment, Jho Ann!

-- Contributed by: Tsharma

visit this site and it will help ur probs

-- Contributed by: jho ann

Bonnie, thanks for your question. There are a variety of conditions that manifest themselves as white patches, none of which I understand are very serious. Eczema is one possible suspect, as it can result in lighter skin pigment in the affected area. Another might be a fungal infection known as tinea versicolor. Though unlikely (especially if it isn't spreading), the light spot could also be suggestive of vitiligo.

If you are concerned, you may wish to see your dermatologist to rule out anything worrisome and get a concrete diagnosis. Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Tsharma

I have a white patch on my throat just under my chin. It is smooth with no wrinkles and really stands out. I am 64 years old & have seen this on other older people. Any suggestions?

-- Contributed by: Bonnie
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