Please help with white patch on forehead after sunburn? (Photo)

Question

Last year I had COVID and was outside and got my forehead sunburnt (don’t know if covid is related or not). After the sunburn went away I was left with a white patch on my forehead. It’s hard to disguise and is more apparent when my face is tan (the patch does not tan). Is there anything I can do to treat this? Please help!

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

It is quite likely that the sunburn damaged the pigment producing cells in the skin resulting in the permanent hypopigmentation that developed on the forehead and the inability to tan in that area.  Professional microneedling accompanied by the application of topical prescription pigment promoting agents, such as tyrosine and lanatoprost may prove helpful for restoring pigmentation to this region. Make sure to consult with a board certified aesthetic dermatologist and ask to see his/her personal before and after photos before agreeing to proceed. Best of luck.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Anshul Gambhir, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. This white spot is not related to covid at all but is however sun damage. Sun damage is cumulative over time so make sure you are wearing sunscreen every day al year round. In the fall/winter you can do chemical and/or laser peels to help even out your pigment and peel away some of the sun damage. Hope this helps!

Please help with white patch on forehead after sunburn? (Photo)

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Please help with white patch on forehead after sunburn? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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