Treatment and care tips for blemished skin
Stains can be a physical condition that affects a person psychologically. Freckles can also be considered a type of stain; however, because they appear natural, our patients generally do not find them bothersome. Patients often visit the dermatology clinic for stains caused by conditions known as melasma and solar lentigo, which develop due to sun exposure and pregnancy. This article will focus on melasma and lentigo.
Melasma typically occurs in individuals prone to staining, especially after pregnancy or chronic sun damage over the years. Patients often describe the appearance of the stain as sudden. In reality, it should be accepted that this condition is the result of chronic damage from childhood and adolescence. We must also acknowledge that treatment requires a long process. When clients come to my clinic with this diagnosis, my priority is to investigate the underlying cause of the stain. We aim to eliminate the cause. We measure the depth of the stain with a Wood's lamp to shape our treatment plan accordingly.
Among the treatments, we primarily choose laser therapies and Cosmelan peel treatments. The goal of stain treatment should be to select the process that best suits the individual's Fitzpatrick skin type and social life. Stain treatments should typically be spread over long durations of 3-4 months. Remember, those who claim you will quickly get rid of your stain may not be mentioning that it can return just as quickly. The formation of stains takes a long time, and the skin's ability to suppress melanin production and return to its original state will also require an extended period.
Lentigo, or sunspots, are round spots with well-defined edges, similar in size to a coin. Not every lentigo is benign, of course. In cases where we confirm through dermatoscopy that it is a simple lentigo, treatment with KTP laser can be achieved in a few sessions. The treatment for sunspots is generally more encouraging than that for melasma, with a relatively lower chance of recurrence.
When we perform stain treatments in the clinic, we frequently recommend at-home continuation products. Sunscreens and hats are essential. For home care routines for stained skin, I recommend retinoic acid, tranexamic acid, and vitamin C serums.
To ensure a healthy treatment process and to develop personalized treatments, I recommend consulting your nearest dermatologist. Stains are a skin condition, and of course, your dermatologist is the expert in this field. You can reach us for detailed information and to schedule preliminary consultation appointments through our clinic's phone numbers.
