Can 3% Salycilic Acid Gel (Dermarest) for Sebborheic Dermatitis Cause Hypopigmentation?
asked 1 year ago by john27 in New York
Latest answer by Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Question viewed 973 times
Tags: face, dermatitis, salycilic acid gel
I use a 3% salycilic acid gel (dermarest) for my sebborheic dermatitis on my face and I usually use it every other day. I notice now a lighter hypopigmented spot on my cheek where I usually use the gel. Its been there for 3 days now. Is this permanent? will the pigmentation return. I have since stopped using the lotion.
1 answer to Can 3% Salycilic Acid Gel (Dermarest) for Sebborheic Dermatitis Cause Hypopigmentation?
+1
Not permanent
Salicylic acid is a desquamating agent, ie. it causes peeling of the top layer of the skin. While I do not utilize sal acid very much for seborrheic dermatitis, it can be used when the condition is particularly scaly. I suspect what has happened is that the top layer has peeled off, leaving the white, paler skin underneath more exposed. I am sure with time, and sun exposure, this area will pigment and return to normal.
Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist
Virginia Beach Dermatologist