What can I do to clear my dark spots and ingrown hair bumps & scaring under my neck and side burns? (photos)

Question

23yr old African American woman who's been suffering with this embarrassment since 14. I used to shave and stopped then began to twez the hairs and or use hair removal cream (nair). I have bought black cream variety of soaps & I always tried a patch on my skin of labor removal to which did nothing but leave scaring n darker blemishes which hair still grows. I have paid for skin repair session which only lighting it up very little & began using lightening scream as well as razor bump ingrown hair

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

this needs an evaluation by a cosmetic dermatologist as you need to ensure the hair/folliculitis is removed first before working on the color -- which can be treated with peels and lasers and skin care.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures.  Folliculitis and hyperpigmentation are troublesome for most African-Americans. In my practice we have been successful at greatly improving this situation. Typically our 1064 laser for hair removal is appropriate followed by our compounded skin lightening pads.

Morris Westfried, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal with tag or diode laser will remove unwanted hair and begin to approach color change caused by hair .Expect 6 or more sessions at least 4 weeks apart.After removing rhe hair a picosure laser can remove the residual color if necessary .

Aaron J. Mayberry, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi! It looks like the hyperpigmentation is caused by repeated inflammation from  ingrown hair growth - folliculitis. You might be helped with laser hair removal by a plastic surgeon or dermatologist with experience with working with darker skin. A 4-6 wk pre laser treatment with a hydroquinone or non hydroquinone melanocyte suppressor followed by a series of laser treatments will probably improve your skin tone. This can improve. Good luck!

What can I do to clear my dark spots and ingrown hair bumps & scaring under my neck and side burns? (photos)

Answers (4)