Red spots, also called hyperpigmentation, can be caused by a skin disease, allergic reaction, or other traumas. It’s not uncommon for some people to have lasting red marks from acne. This condition is most common in people with dark skin of any race and any age. It is possible for lesions to darken in the sun and occur as a side effect with certain medications.
Topical Medications for Hyperpigmentation
A 1996 study published in Cutis, a medical journal for dermatologists, indicates that 20 percent azelaic is as effective as 4 percent hydroquinone in treating facial hyperpigmentation. The benefit of azelaic, according to study author Stephen Breathnach, MD is that it has few side effects than hydroquinone. Azelaic acid is a natural substance that lives on normal skin. It can be used topically to treat acne by reducing the growth of bacteria in the follicle, and reduces inflammation and pigmentation.
Hydroquinone is a chemical that has been used successfully for years to treat hyperpigmentation, reports Rebat Halder, MD, a dermatologist from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington DC. Hydroquinone is a compound that works by reducing the production of melanin. Derm Net NZ, a website founded by the New Zealand Dermatological Society, reports that results should be apparent after about one three months.
Dermabrasion for Hyperpigmentation
Dermabrasion is a resurfacing of the skin using a tool with an abrasive surface – similar to fine-grained sandpaper. Derma Network, a medical skincare website overseen by board-certified dermatologists, indicates that dermabrasion is primarily used to treat scarring cause by acne. Dermabrasion is available as a treatment for surface-level scarring and deep-tissue scarring, a category that post inflammatory erythema often falls in to. Deep methods of dermabrasion are usually effective, but can take a few months for recovery. There is also some risk of complications.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing employs the use of a high-energy beam of light that targets and destroys damaged skin cells on the skin’s outer surface. Although this technique is reportedly more effective, according to DermaNetwork.org, it’s not as popular as dermabrasion because it requires more recovery time.
Sources:
Harari Z, Sommer I, Knobel B. Multifocal contact dermatitis to nitroderm TTS 5 with extensive postinflammatory hypermelanosis. Dermatologica. (accessed July 14, 2010)
Breathnatch AS (1996) Melanin Hyperpigmentation of Skin, Cutis, 57(1 Suppl):36-45 (accessed July 14, 2010)
National Institutes of Health, *"Azelaic Acid Topical" (accessed July 14, 2010)
Derma Network, *"Acne Scar Treatment and Removal" (accessed July 14, 2010)
R.M. Halder, MD & G.M. Richards, MD, (2004) Topical Agents Used in the Management of Hyperpigmentation, Skin Therapy Letter, vol. 9 (accessed July 14, 2010)
Shannon Marks - Shannon Marks is a writer living in Austin, Texas. She spent most of the 90s and 2000's living in New York City where she was an editor at ...
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