Spots and Scars on Legs and Thighs: Will Skin Peeling Remove Them?

The problem you have is called "post inflammatory hyperpigmentation", and is a very difficult problem to fix particularly on the legs.  Pigmentation in this area can often last 2 years or longer.  First of all, every time you get a bite, apply hydrocortisone and a bandaid to keep from scratching.  For the spots that are already there, and are healed, try a prescription cream, hydroquinone, just to the spots twice a day.  You can also use a glycolic acid containing moisturizer on the entire leg which will help the spots slightly.  I don't believe peels or laser procedures help significantly with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.  However, if you decide to give it a try, make sure you go to an experienced physicians office because it is very easy to injure legs (as you have learned).

Hope that helps.

Madeline Krauss, M.D.

I love the responses from the other dermatologists and completely agree with their opinions on this challenging condition. I usually recommend a lotion containing some type of mild exfoliatiant such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid or urea or a combination of those. Tretinoin can also be helpful but is more expensive and can be a bit irritating. I have seen nice results using these creams but it takes a long time - many months.