Chemical Peels for Dark Knees, Elbows, Hands and Feet?

Question

Can chemical peels be used to lighten dark feet, hands, knees and elbows? Can it be used on African skin?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

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Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Chemical peels can be performed on virtually any skin color type — but best that you find a board-certified dermatologist who understands skin of color and how it is best treated. And has been already noted, they work very nicely on the face, but what you are describing is usually not the main indications for chemical peeling. For dark feet, hands, elbows, and knees, the first thing that needs to be determined is why you are having them, is thisfrom an eczematous cause or from some other reason. A dermatologist can help here. If it is just a manifestation of dry skin, an alpha or beta hydroxy acid topical medicine may be helpful, as would perhaps one of the urea based creams we have at our disposal. Find the right dermatologist and get this handled correctly from the onset and you will be happier in the end.

Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD · Answer

Chemical Peels are not too helpful with this skin care problem.  The skin on these areas are thicker making the pigment darker. Using a daily moisturizer with alpha and or beta hydroxy acids is a more beneficial treatment.

	"Dr.D"

Elizabeth F. Rostan, MD · Answer

I think chemical peels may be helpful but only for the short term. A better treatment and maintenance plan is a skin softening and hydrating cream that can soften the thick skin typical in these areas that gives this skin the dark appearance. Typically these creams contain alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, and/or urea in a very thick moisturizing base. A non-prescription cream that is very nice for this is the Avene Akerat cream.

Kavita Mariwalla, MD · Answer

Dear Ashmed,
Chemical peels can be used on African skin, however in the areas that you are concerned about (the feet, hands, knees and elbows) they are not too helpful.  This skin in this area is thicker by nature and in skin that is pigmented, it often appears darker. If these areas get dry they may also thicken and appear darker.  My advice would be to moisturize daily and watch over time.  Chemical peels will be a waste of money.
Good luck,
Dr. Mariwalla

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