Darkened Skin on Face

[sunny81]

Hi there,

This is actually a question for the experts in the skin clinic, but it would be useful to hear from sufferers as well.

The history.

I am of Indian origin, born and bred in the UK. 31 years old and had eczema all of my life. Most times been under control but had horrible flare ups when I cut steroids and switched to western herbal treatment when I was around 22-23, I soon stopped - started steroids problem solved. Steroids have kept my skin "controlled" since.

I still occasionally get flare ups on body and face but again its controlled.

I use Elecon ointment on face and body on eczema patches (as advised by my dermatologist).
Aveeno cream as moisturiser.
Cetraben cream in the shower as soap.

My concern.

On my face I have now dark patches. On the whole the skin has darkened as I was fair skinned. My dermatologist says its a result of eczema and may return to its normal colour in the future. My question is how can I fix the facial skin so it returns to its normal tone?

PS If I apply Elocon to the face its no more than a few days in a row.

Thank you

[Marcie Mom]

Just like to check if your doctor said the darker color is due to the eczema skin condition or steroid or scratching?

I asked a similar question, extract below from my blog:

Marcie Mom: Morning Dr B, today’s question is commonly asked. Some child’s skin turn brown where it frequently itches, being scratched and steroid creams have been applied. Some parents think it’s the steroid cream that causes the change in skin colour but I’ve read that the brown patch is caused by cells in skin (‘melanocytes’) releasing extra pigments from scratching. Which is true?

Dr B: Both are true!

In the first case, yes steroid creams will change the colour of skin – they very slowly reduce the pigmentation, lightening the colour of the skin. The anti-inflammatory effect of the steroid reduces the activity of all skin cells, including the pigment cells – the “melanocytes”.

In the second case, cellular activity in skin is stimulated by habitual scratching, and this affects all cells, including the pigment cells – the “melanocytes”. So habitual scratching causes the skin to thicken up – lichenification – and colour up – hyperpigmentation.

No answer for it but I guess it doesn't hurt to know why Take care!