Likely benign hyperpigmentation areas or benign growths

David J. Levens, MD answers: Treatment for facial brown spots?

Over the last 1-2 years, I have developed two brown patches under my eyes, one large patch on my forehead and one on the top of my nose. After being told this may be caused by starting oral contraceptives 2 years ago, I stopped taking them about 6 months ago but not have seen the brown patches fade. I'm 29 and don't get much sun except an annual cruise and I always wear a hat and sunscreen on those trips. I wear an SPF15 sunscreen moisturizer every day. What are these, and is there anything I can do to get rid of them?


David J. Levens, MD
10 months ago

Have a dermatologist or plastic surgeon take a look.  First be sure that the areas are not abnormal growths that require biopsy and treatment to prevent spread or turning into something worse. 

Likely there is no medical concern.  If not, the hyperpigmentation spots can be from inflammation, hormones, sun exposure, age or heredity.  Treatment methods include various chemical peels, liquid nitrogen, bleaching creams and various intense pulsed light/laser systems from miminally invasive to ablative.

Most important is that with any treatment, prevention of recurrence is essential, through the use of sunblock (SPF 30+ is better) and various bleaching creams on an ongoing basis to prevent post-inflammatory (after any treatment that involves controlled "wounding" of the skin) hyperpigmentation. 

 

 

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