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Which Chemical Peel for Old Marks and Blemishes on Legs?

I'm African-American (brown/dark skinned) and I have really bad marks and blemishes from old mosquito bites from the Carribean. I'm so self-conscious, I can't wear shorts or skirts! Which chemical peel would help me? Please help!

Doctor Answers 4

A tinture of time, sunscreen, and hydroquinone

October 14th, 2010
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While chemical peels are very effective for many types of dark spots, they are not very effective for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on the legs.  Darker skin type patients are more prone to dark spots after bug bites/ acne/ etc.  We call this post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation-- as the inflammation from the bug bite causes excess melanin production in the area.  

In this situation, I would caution against doing any peels, as this can cause further inflammation and more pigmentation.  The legs, particularly, are not very forgiving-- they do not respond well to chemical peels unlike the face.  Give it some time-- these will fade on their own.  To speed up the process, I will sometimes prescribe a low strength bleaching cream such as hydroquinone.  Sun protection is a must-- as the more sun you get, the darker these spots will be.  

Best of Luck!

-Dr. Mann

Margaret Mann, MD


Cleveland Dermatologic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 1 review

Beta peel may work for dark spots on the legs

November 2nd, 2010
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While most doctors shy away from treating skin of color with peels (due to risk of hypo or hyperpigmentation) you may want to consider a beta lift. Legs are harder to peel than the face, but with dermabrasion, hydroquinone and beta lift peels, you may experience lightening and some success. The key will be several treatments over time.  Good luck!

Kavita Mariwalla, MD

Kavita Mariwalla, MD
New York Dermatologic Surgeon

Not recommended.

October 18th, 2010
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Hello,

Chemical peels are unpredictable in darkly pigmented skin and in the legs. I would not recommend them.

 

Best Regards,

 

John Di Saia MD

John P. Di Saia, MD

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 25 reviews

Post-inflammatory pigmentation in ethnic skin requires potent prescription-strength bleaching cream

July 15th, 2009
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You are probably better with strict daily sun protection, potent prescription strength bleaching cream, and/or glycolic acid topical preparation under supervision of a board-certified dermatologist.

William Ting, MD

William Ting, MD
Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 12 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.