OUR CARIBBEAN SKIN SERIES / Discolouration

Practising dermatology in the Caribbean gives us the opportunity to treat a beautifully diverse range of people, all with different skin types.

Skin of colour, despite its amazing range – Indigenous, African, Indian, Chinese, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Latino – tends to have specific conditions to which it’s susceptible. A few general skin conditions also produce different effects in pigmented skin.

Over the next few months, we’ll offer a quick guide as to what to look out for – and how we can help you treat it. We’ll start off with a common complaint: discolouration.

Where you notice it

This tends to happen especially on joints like the knees and elbows, though it can also show up in more private areas, like derrieres and inner thighs. In addition, discolouration can be an unwanted side effect of skin conditions like acne (which leaves behind dark spots once the pimples disappear), or eczema (which can leave darker and/or lighter patches on the skin).

 No quick fix

Treatment can be quite difficult, as discolouration is stubbornly persistent and can be caused by a multitude of factors, including hormonal changes, certain medications and harsh skin care products. Laser treatments, chemical peels and serums can help, but they are not guaranteed.  

The good news? Simple at-home remedies can often improve (not eradicate) the condition, but you must be diligent about maintenance:

·       Limit sun exposure, as UV rays worsen the appearance of dark spots

·       Tell us what medications and/or skin products you’re taking so we can advise whether they may be contributing to the problem – birth control pills are a common offender

·       Keep the area moist by rubbing it with petroleum jelly

·       Gently exfoliate dead skin

·       Avoid putting undue friction on joints (e.g. don’t rest your elbows on the table)

What not to do

Alternative treatments (e.g. the use of citrus, turmeric, oats or certain essential oils) are not clinically tested and often create further problems in our tropical climate. The use of lemon juice, for instance, can cause burning and heightened discolouration when exposed to harmful UV rays, and Vitamin E oil has the potential to cause true allergic reactions in some patients.

We generally do not recommend using over-the-counter skin lightening soaps and creams, as many of them contain harmful ingredients like mercury, which can further exacerbate the condition and cause far more serious side effects, including kidney and nerve damage.

Be safe, not sorry

If the discolouration is serious (or seriously bothering you), it’s best to come in and see us to get a proper assessment, coupled with safe treatment options.