Will Hyperpigmentation from Benzoyl Peroxide Fade on Its Own?

I applied 10% benzoyl peroxide acne medication on a small area of my face one night, and the next day, I noticed that it was significantly darker. It has not gone away and the dark spot has been there for two weeks already. Is this permanent or temporary? If temporary, how long will it take to fade by itself?

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hyperpigmentation

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1 Doctor Answer | Asked by selfconscious in Dallas

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Irritant Reaction

If you did not have itching, it is most likely that you had an irritant contact dermatitis to the Benzoyl Peroxide. Ten per cent was too high a strength for you. You have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This should be treatede intitially with a topical steroid. Later, if the pigmentation remains, I would recommend adding Retin A 0.04%. A recent study showed that the weaker Retin A strength was better for treating this. Higher strength Retin A can cause irritation in itself, thereby... more