Treatment FAQ

how to get rid of white patches from laser treatment

by Salvador Schneider Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Topical creams:
Topical creams can be prescribed by a doctor and they work by bleaching the skin so that the hypopigmented area will easily blend in with the surrounding areas. Hydroquinone or TriLuma are two creams that are often prescribed.

Full Answer

How do I get rid of white patches on my face?

Hypopigmentation Treatment: Options For White Patches and Scars 1 Steroidal Cream. Corticosteroid creams are a typical first try treatment for vitiligo. 2 Hydroquinone Based Cream. Not a typical approach but this comes under the idea... 3 Hydroquinone Free Creams. The same approach as above, but you can now get lightening creams...

What is the best laser treatment for white Stretch marks?

The 308-nm excimer laser was studied in the treatment of white stretch marks and scars that had lost melanin. Patients were treated every 2 weeks for a maximum of 10 treatments. Each patient achieved a 100% correction to the eye and a 75% increase by colorimetric measurement ( The amount of light absorbed as it travels through a sample.)

What is the treatment for light spots on the skin?

If you have light spots caused by a skin disorder like vitiligo, (shown above right) the treatment usually includes prescription medications. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder that causes white patches of skin. People with vitiligo get hypopigmentation because their white blood cells attack and kill the cells which give their skin color.

What is the best treatment for discoloration caused by laser treatment?

Puvasol, topical psoralen, and UV light from sunlight or UVA phototherapy may help especially in people whose color loss was from a laser treatment. V-Tar is another prescription your doctor may order.

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How do you get rid of hypopigmentation after laser?

Different treatment options previously reported to be effective include topical medication such as Psoralen with ultraviolet A phototherapy PUVA and Narrow band ultraviolet B NB-UVB phototherapy, 308 nm Excimer laser and Fractional resurfacing.

Does hypopigmentation from laser go away?

Hyperpigmentation after laser tattoo removal is usually correctable—the body naturally eliminates this extra pigment over a period of time. “Some people take three months to remove it; some people take six months, some people take a year to clear it,” says Chelsea.

Why do I get white spots after laser hair removal?

Any kind of laser creates a controlled wound that revs up the inflammatory system to launch a response - in this case, scavenging the hair follicle. This can leave Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (white spots that arise on sensitive or darker skin).

Can laser give you white spots?

Firstly laser treatments on skin that has recently been sun exposed can cause hypopigmentation (white spots on the skin), and in some rare but severe cases, burns.

How do you fix hypopigmentation?

Hypopigmentation refers to patches of skin that are lighter than your overall skin tone....Treatment options may include:dermabrasion.chemical peels.laser resurfacing or therapy.lightening gels, such as hydroquinone (Blanche)

How do you darken a white scar?

White scars, or “hypopigmented” scars, are due to a loss of melanocytes that manufacture pigment. This loss is usually permanent, but can sometimes be improved by fractional laser resurfacing, which allows some of the pigment cells to migrate back into the lighter-colored skin areas.

How do you get rid of laser burn marks?

You may treat a burn with gentle skin care. “Vaseline petrolatum works wonders at facilitating wound healing,” says Anna Chacon, MD FAAD, board certified dermatologist. You should also consider topical antimicrobials and specialized dressings, adds Canes.

Do laser burns go away?

You have to keep in mind that the injured area will still be sensitive after the initial laser hair removal burns have healed and the pain has subsided. The skin is also more susceptible to scarring.

Is hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal permanent?

Hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal usually is not permanent. The risks of laser treatment include pigment changes and scarring. Permanent side effects are rare. It is a result of your skin producing more melanin in response to the heat from the laser.

What causes hypopigmentation after laser?

Burns, infections, pimples, blisters, scrapes, and any injuries that result in scarring can all lead to skin discolouration. Improperly administered skin resurfacing treatments, such as Photofacials (IPL), laser peels, or chemical peels, can cause skin damage that results in hypopigmentation.

How long does it take for skin to heal after laser treatment?

In general, the areas heal in five to 21 days, depending on the nature of the condition that was treated and type of laser used. Once the areas have healed, makeup may be worn to camouflage the pink to red color that is generally seen after laser skin resurfacing.

What are the side effects of laser treatment on face?

RisksRedness, swelling, itching and pain. Treated skin may swell, itch or have a burning sensation. ... Acne. Applying thick creams and bandages to your face after treatment can worsen acne or cause you to temporarily develop tiny white bumps (milia) on treated skin.Infection. ... Changes in skin color. ... Scarring.

What is the term for a white patch on the skin?

Although it will also be greatly impacted by local availability and the advice of your medical professional. Remember, hypo pigmentation is any kind of white patch, scar or area on the skin caused by a lack of pigment. If you have darker colored areas on your skin this is hyper pigmentation. So these are the treatments for hypopigmentation ...

What is the purpose of vitiligo removal?

This approach is typically only used in vitiligo cases where more than half the skin surface has been affected. The idea is to remove the remaining pigment and therefore achieve an overall consistent skin color. Of course that skin color is then ‘paper white’ all over the body.

What is excimer laser?

Excimer Laser Treatment. Excimer lasers are the same type used in Lasik eye surgery. But they have also been used very effectively for years now in treating hypopigmented scars and stretch marks. A study was done back in 2004 [ 1] which showed a 100% correction in skin color after just 9 treatments.

What is skin peel?

Skin peels are generally categorised into superficial, medium and deep peels. The gentler treatments, such as glycolic, AHA or BHA peels, are often used used on the face just to give a fresher brighter appearance. But in terms of hypopigmentation we are really talking about use for scar treatment.

How to treat hypopigmentation?

The most common approach to treating hypopigmentation is to use a cream applied to the affected areas. It’s easy to do, can be done at home and is generally a very cheap option.

What is the best treatment for vitiligo?

Steroidal Cream. Corticosteroid creams are a typical first try treatment for vitiligo. But given that the cause of vitiligo is still not very well understood, the results can be unpredictable. So typically a doctor will prescribe corticosteroids on the basis of ‘try it and see how you go’.

What is the name of the treatment for a sensitive skin?

Combination UV/Drug Therapy. Typically phototherapy is used in combination with a drug that makes your skin more sensitive to UV light. Most commonly the drug psoralen is used, together with ultraviolet A, hence the name of this therapy as PUVA.

What age do you get a white patch on your face?

This medical condition usually affects children who are between the age of 3 to 16 years.

Why do I have white spots on my face?

Other than keratin being trapped inside your skin, these small white spots on the face can be caused by burns from certain medications, steroid creams, sun damage, or after undergoing a skin resurfacing procedure.

How long does discoloration last on the face?

The bad thing about this skin condition is that even after recovering from this medical condition, the discoloration it has caused may remain for up to three years.

What protein is responsible for white spots on the face?

You must’ve heard about a protein named Keratin that forms the outer layer of your skin. When this essential skin protein gets trapped under your skin, it starts creating small white spots on the face. These small white-colored cysts appear as tiny spots on the face and can be very annoying to deal with.

Is white skin a health concern?

Discoloration of skin and the appearance of white patches are quite common and are not a serious health concern by any means. If you are concerned about your skin’s appearance for cosmetic reasons, you should speak to a healthcare professional right away.

Burn with white spot after laser hair removal on face. Any recommendations on treatments or other suggestions? (Photo)

This just occurred a few hours ago. Ive been putting bacitracin on the spot and scheduled an appointment with my PCP tomorrow. The oily appearance is from the ointment. Any recommendations on treatments or other suggestions?

Bump and Itchiness after Brazilian laser hair removal (Photo)

I had my first brazilian laser hair removal session last Tuesday, after a day or two, it starts to have those red bumps and itchiness on the bikini area. It hurts a bit when I pressed it, and there were some white spots as well. It is really annoying and I'm afraid it's burned or infected. Also the area is a bit dark as well.

White bumps after laser hair removal - will it get better? (Photo)

Hi, i just got my third treatment done 2 days ago, and I was horrified when I looked at my legs this morning. They have white bumps all over, but theyre not itchy. the bumps are all over the pores on my legs. Will they scar? Any way I can improve this at all?

Will these white spots from laser hair removal burning be permanent? Will they repigment?

I had my legs lasered for the first time on January 17th 2017 and experienced burning from prior sun exposure, its been over 2 months and i'm worried my legs will never be normal again! I took photos after my laser treatment and everyday after until the scabbing healed, then photos weekly until now.

I got burnt from laser on my arm after it peeled. There are white spots. How can I get rid of it? (Photo)

So I got laser hair removal and it burnt me, I put a burn ointment on it the they peeled and fell off naturally and now Im stuck with this white spots on my arm, how can I get rid of it and will it stay?

White spots after laser burn with Cynosure Elite, will Vitix and Elocome help to heal this? (photos)

I have got my leg and tummy burnt a month ago during the second session of hair removal with Cynosure Elite laser. I used Mebo cream, the burns healed and now that the crusts are gone I have white spots. I have been told to use Vitix cream during the night and Elocome during the day, to repigment the white spots.

Is hypopigmentation permanent after laser hair removal burn? (Photo)

I was burned during laser hair removal. The following day a dermatologist gave me a cortisone shot and topical cream ( mometasone) which I used for 7 days. My scabbing came off and I now have Hypopigmentation.

What is the procedure to remove white spots on the skin?

Dermabrasion. This exfoliating procedure physically removes the skin’s outer layers using a specialized abrasive tool to reveal the new skin beneath. When used to treat IGH, dermabrasion causes white spots to crust over and triggers the body’s melanin production process.

How to prevent white spots on skin?

Preventing White Sunspots. To prevent white sunspots, limit direct sun exposure and protect skin from the sun. There are several ways to achieve this:: Wear a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30; reapply every 2 hours when outside and immediately after swimming.

What is the medical term for white spots on the skin?

Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) is the medical term for white spots on the skin. The name is descriptive, referring to the cause and appearance of these spots: idiopathic means the cause is unknown, guttate refers to their teardrop shape and hypomelanosis, the lighter-colored skin. IGH spots appear gradually on the skin over time ...

What causes white patches on the face?

They may be white, pink or brown, and can be itchy or scaly. Vitiligo. A lack of melanin results in vitilig o’s characteristic white patches. Commonly seen on the face, neck and hands as well as creases in the skin, the patches can appear symmetrically on both sides of the body.

What is the best treatment for white sunspots?

Topical steroid creams. Although these creams are typically used to reduce inflammation and treat conditions such as eczema, creams that contain corticosteroids—which mimics cortisol, a naturally occurring hormone—may help to reduce white sunspots. Corticosteroid creams are available in different strengths.

What is the name of the condition where a white spot on the face fades?

With time, they may change in shape and size, but they’re usually permanent. Pityriasis alba. Pink or red scaly patches are an initial symptom of pityriasis alba, a condition mainly seen on the faces of children and young people. In later years, these round or oval-shaped areas fade to leave white spots on the skin.

What to do if you have white spots on your face?

Cover as much exposed skin as possible by wearing sunglasses, a hat and long-sleeved shirts and pants. Avoid tanning beds. Other Causes of White Spots on Skin. Aside from IGH, white spots on the skin can also be associated with other skin conditions or be symptoms of other health issues.

What is the best treatment for white spots on the face?

There are topical medications that sometimes help with white spots on the skin. Some of the medications used to treat hypopigmentation include topical steroids that come as a cream or ointment which you apply to your skin. They may restore some of your original skin color and stop the spread of the white patches.

Why does my skin turn white?

Vitiligo is a condition in which the skin turns white due to the loss of pigment from the melanocytes, cells that produce the pigment melanin that gives the skin color.

What is melanin in skin?

What is melanin? Hypopigmentation is a condition in which the skin is lighter in color than normal. Treating hypopigmentation may involve the use of topical corticosteroids or tars, light or laser treatment, or surgical skin grafting. Melanin is the substance that gives skin its color or pigment. When the skin cells that produce melanin, also ...

What causes a person to lose color?

Other causes may include: 1 Albinism is a condition characterized by colorless skin, hair, and eyes that occur because skin cells produce little or no melanin. 2 Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes your skin to lose its natural color. People who have this condition will notice patches of lighter skin appear. While some people develop a few patches, others may lose much more skin color. In other cases, vitiligo will affect other parts of your body. It can also cause your hair to turn white or discolor parts of the mouth or eyes. 3 Tinea versicolor is a condition that occurs when a natural yeast found on the skin called Pityrosporum ovale grows out of control and begins to change the pigmentation of the skin. When this occurs, patches of skin may become lighter or darker. 4 Pityriasis alba is a skin disorder commonly found in children and young adults that causes pale pink or red, scaly patches to form on the skin. When these patches clear up, the skin is left discolored, with smooth light patches taking their place.

Why is my skin lighter than normal?

It occurs due to the absence of normal amounts of melanin caused by disease, injury, burns, or other trauma to the skin. Hypopigmentation can affect a small area of the skin, or it can be widespread.

What is it called when you lose skin color?

When the skin cells that produce melanin, also called melanocytes, reduce their production, the resulting condition is known as hypopigmentation. Hypopigmentation is also known as skin depigmentation or loss of skin color. In situations where hypopigmentation is the result of skin inflammation or damage, the condition may be referred ...

What causes a scaly red spot on the face?

Pityriasis alba is a skin disorder commonly found in children and young adults that causes pale pink or red, scaly patches to form on the skin. When these patches clear up, the skin is left discolored, with smooth light patches taking their place.

What is the best treatment for light spots?

Prescription medications can help to repigment light spots. Puvasol, topical psoralen, and UV light from sunlight or UVA phototherapy may help especially in people whose color loss was from a laser treatment. V-Tar is another prescription your doctor may order.

Why do people with vitiligo get white patches?

People with vitiligo get hypopigmentation because their white blood cells attack and kill the cells which give their skin color. When these melanocytes are destroyed, they don't come back.

What is the best laser for hypopigmentation?

IPL, excimer lasers, and the Fraxel Restore laser are all recommended for treating hypopigmentation by the doctors on RealSelf.com. IPL stands for intense pulsed light. You may also have heard it called a photofacial, BBL (broadband light), or photorejuvenation. It treats sun damage, dark spots and rosacea.

What to do if you have light spots on your face?

Treating hypopigmentation is tricky. If you get light spots that don't go away, be sure to see a dermatologist. The best treatment option will depend on what's causing your hypopigmentation, the amount of light skin you have, and the result you want to achieve.

How long does it take for a post inflammatory skin condition to heal?

When the cause of the post postinflammatory hypopigmentation is removed, most people get spontaneous improvement within a period of weeks or months.

Why does my skin have a light spot?

So now you know that hypopigmentation is a light spot in skin caused by low amounts of melanin. (Melanin is what gives skin its color.) But there are other causes of color loss besides lasers.

What is low level laser?

Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) is used to treat many skin conditions . It can kick start healing, relieve pain and inflammation, and restore function. It can also stimulate your pigment producing cells (melanocytes) to produce melanin thereby re-pigmenting light spots and areas of hypopigmentation. 4.

What is the best treatment for hyperpigmentation?

There are many different topical creams which can be used to lighten post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and improve the appearance of the skin. The following topical treatments can be used in combination to brighten this pigmentation both in the dermis and epidermis of the skin: 1 Vitamin C 2 Cosmelan 3 Mesopeels 4 Hydroquinone 5 Tranexamic Acid 6 Azelaic Acid 7 Arbutin 8 Tretinoin 9 Kojic acid 10 Glycolic acid peels 11 Steroid creams 12 Licorice extracts 13 Niacinamide 14 Lactic Acid 15 Salicylic Acid 16 Mandolin acid 17 Retinoids 18 SkinMedical Lytera Skin Brightening Complex 19 Tri-Luma (Prescription of fluocinolone acetone 0.01%, Hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05%) 20 Elure Advanced Brightening Night Cream and lotion (contains Ligninase) 21 Coffeeberry 22 Extracts of orchid, grape seed, Aloe vera, marine algae, or green tea

What chemical peels can be used for hyperpigmentation?

These peels can be used in conjunction with hydroquinones, kojic acid, and hydrocortisone, to increase the improvement of the PIH. Cosmelan, Mesopeels, and Dermamelan are excellent types of chemical peels, which can be used to treat post laser hyperpigmentation on various areas of the body.

What is the best treatment for PIH?

Topical skin lightening creams and sunblocks is the first line treatment for PIH. Unfortunately, when numerous laser treatments have been performed, the post inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be severe, and cosmetic treatments such as chemical peels are indicated.

What is PIH skin?

PIH is most common in patients with darker skin tones, whose skin is more sensitive to this type of injury. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be the result of inflammatory acne, eczema, various dermatoses, or after laser treatment.

What is PIH laser?

Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can be caused by injury to the skin as a result of a sunburn, surgery, laser treatment or other cosmetic procedure. If you are suffering from post inflammatory hyperpigmentation from laser treatment, Dr. Green is here to help you.

What happens if you have too much melanin?

Melanin is the primary determinant of skin pigmentation and hair color, and if you produce too much melanin in any area of your body, the result is hyperpigmentation, a brown spot, or discoloration on your skin. Dr. Michele Green is an expert in treatment melasma as well as disorders of hyperpigmentation on the face and body.

How long does it take for a PIH to go away?

This side effect, known as post-laser hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) consists of dark patches or lesions, which can take a year or longer to resolve on its own, or be permanent without the proper treatment.

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