Pigment change after angular cheilitis - how can I even out my skin tone? (Photo)

Question

I had angular cheilitis which I treated and it healed after a few weeks, but it has left left me with pigmentation change around the mouth. I have now ununeven pigment with a dark center + lighter rim. Can anyone tell me how to treat the affected skin to even out the skin tone?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing the details and photo—this helps a lot in understanding your situation. What you’re describing is a very common aftermath of healing from angular cheilitis: the inflammation can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (the darker center) and sometimes mild hypopigmentation or lighter rim around it. Your skin is essentially trying to recover and rebalance its pigment, which can take some time.

Here are some approaches that are generally helpful:

Sun Protection:
The skin around the mouth is very prone to darkening when exposed to the sun. Daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen is key. Even incidental sun exposure (walking outside, indoor sunlight) can worsen the pigmentation.
Topical Lightening Agents:
Ingredients such as niacinamide, azelaic acid, and low-strength hydroquinone (under supervision) can help gradually even out pigment. Niacinamide also helps reduce inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier.
Gentle Exfoliation:
Mild chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or low-strength AHA lotions can help smooth the skin and encourage even pigment renewal. Avoid aggressive scrubs, which can worsen pigmentation.
Barrier and Moisture Support:
Healing skin benefits from good moisturizers or emollients. Look for products with ceramides or panthenol, which help restore the skin barrier and prevent recurrence of irritation.
Patience and Consistency:
Post-inflammatory pigmentation often improves slowly over weeks to months. Quick fixes are rare, and consistent daily care is more effective than aggressive treatments.
Professional Options:
For persistent unevenness, dermatologists sometimes use light chemical peels, gentle laser treatments, or microneedling to accelerate pigment normalization—but this depends on your skin type and sensitivity.

The key is to protect, nourish, and gently encourage even pigment while avoiding irritation. In most cases, the discoloration gradually improves over time with consistent care.

Pigment change after angular cheilitis - how can I even out my skin tone? (Photo)

Answers (1)

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