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Have a question
for YourSkinDoctor?
Questions and Answers published March 11, 2002
Back to Top Q. I have small moles and sun freckles on my face. What is the best procedure to minimize their appearance? I have tried skin bleaching products and had an allergic reaction. What about a skin peel? A. Freckles and sun spots can be lightened on the skin. This type of pigmentation is the resulted of sun stimulated pigment cells (melanocytes). This type of pigmentation can be lightened with bleaching agents (such as hydroquinones) and acids (such as glycolic acid). Protection of the skin is most important. Topical vitamin C, Retinols and sunscreen are essential for maintenance. Read about these in YourSkinDoctor.com. Back to Top Q. I read your article on Hyperpigmentation. I have been on birth control for 10 years. I am 40 years of age and am taking ortho tryciclen. My hyperpigmentation has worsened over the years. I am an esthetician and use every product known. I have used 10% hydroquinone, Jessner peels and IPL laser therapy one treatment 5 months ago. Should I go off BC pills? A. Hyperpigmentation is the result of over active melanocytes (pigment cells) in the skin. Why these cells get overactive is unclear. The stimulus may vary from person to person. For example: some people are exquisitely sensitive to birth control pills and others are not. When I have patients with resistant hyperpigmentation, I stop everything that could be contributing to the problem. If the patient is on birth control pills, this is reviewed with the primary care physician or OB/GYN before stopping or changing treatment. There is also a very small fraction of people that are resistant to the hydroquinones (traditional bleaching agents). I then use other treatments including peels, Retinols and topical vitamin C. Sunscreen, SPF 15 or greater, is a must two to three times a day. Back to Top Q. First off my mom is Hispanic and my dad is half. So my skin is a real dark brown. On my legs and arms it is, but on my face it’s a different color, not as dark at all. Almost like a reddish tone. How can I get my face a real dark brown or chocolate color to match the rest of my body? Any facial toners recommended? A. Self-tanners and sun exposure darken skin. Use common sense. Too much sun exposure can damage the skin and then you have a problem with sundamaged and non-sundamaged skin. Back to Top Q. What can I do to whiten my underarm? A. Pigmentation in the axillary regions (arm pits) may be normal, a sign of medication, infection, irritation or a condition called acanthuses nigricans. Acanthuses nigricans is a skin condition where the skin thickens in friction areas such as under the arms or around the neck. This may run in families, be of sudden onset or be related to an underlying condition of diabetes. In any event, you should have this checked by your doctor. Back to Top Q. I have little pieces of extra skin on my neck. I do not know the medical term for these but they have been referred to as "pickles". What causes these and can they be removed? A. Growths around the neck, under the arms and between the legs are called skin tags or achrochordons. This is a very common condition in men and women. There is an increased incidence in women during menopause and pregnancy. These areas are easily removed by your physician. Back to Top Q. How can I get rid of a callous or extra skin growth on the knuckles of my fingers? A. There is a condition called "knuckle pads" that is seen over the knuckles or joints of the fingers. The age of onset is from adolescence to adult and may run in families. One or more knuckles/fingers may be involved. Hands are usually the only areas involved. (There have been cases with involvement on the feet.) Unfortunately, there is no cure. Moisturizers with acids seem to soften the areas. (YSD Product Recommendation - Ultra Moisture Body Cream) Back to Top Q. I am 17 years old and I have facial skin that is very reddish looking compared to the rest of the skin on my body. It has been this way since I got burned while taking the drug doxycycline for acne. I still have acne, but no products help, they only make my skin worse. The only thing that helps make my skin more "mild" is a cortisone. Could I have sundamaged skin since my skin is very pinkish and older looking? A. Most sun damage accumulates from adolescence to the early twenties. I have seen skin cancer in teenagers but it is rare. Usually the effects of sun damage will not disappear with cortisone. Seborrhea (dandruff) is very common on the face and responds readily to mild cortisones. Too much cortisone on the face can cause redness and acne. This is one case where it sounds like multiple things are going on. Take a step back and stop everything. Have your dermatologist sort it out! Back to Top
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