What's the best treatement for darkness between thighs? (genital area)

Question

I am a African American female light brown complextion and I have really dark skin between my thighs on my private area. I have tried bleach creams and I've been using kojic acid but it's getting worse. It kinda brings me to tears to see it because I haven't found anything that works. Idk if it's age spots, hyper pigmentation, or something else. I have no idea what I should do. I'm currently in a relationship and I don't want my partner to see because I'm so embarrassed and ashamed by it.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

This pigmentation is stubborn, but can be improved with Luminase and Exfolase coupled with fractional laser. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
#Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Unfortunately there is no treatment that works well for this.  This is genetic and a combination of rubbing in the area and inflammation that causes pigment production.  Topical lightening creams are never usually effective alone.  In combination with light chemical peels like salicylic acid peels they may help more.  Typically sublative laser or fractionated nonablative lasers do help, but nothing is curative.  Laser genesis is an option as well.  None of these are covered by insurance.  If you have large inner thighs, liposuction to remove the rubbing is very effective but should only be done by an expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Jennifer T. Haley, MD, FAAD · Answer

The genital area of our bodies has the highest concentration of melanocytes (pigment cells) so it is normal for this area of the body to be darker than other areas.  Any inflammation can cause more pigment to develop in an area (think of a pimple or scratch leaving a dark area when it resolves).  Typically, friction is the cause of chronic inflammation between the thighs.  There is also a condition called Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) which may cause darkening in some areas of the body.  If you are overweight, losing weight in a healthy way by eating real foods can help.  For AN, I have had some luck with two over the counter products while my patients gradually lose weight - CeraVe SA Cream or LacHydrin.

What's the best treatement for darkness between thighs? (genital area)

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What's the best treatement for darkness between thighs? (genital area)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Skin Lightening

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.