Dear Doctor
I have this dark spot on my nose and I want to know how to get it off. When I was younger I hit my nose and now the scar won’t come off. I’ve had it for 5 years now.
Dear Patient
This condition is known as Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) or in your case Post Trauma Hyperpigmentation.
The home treatment of PIH includes the use of:
1. SPF 30 Sunscreen
Broad spectrum sunscreens that offer protection from UVA and UVB rays and that have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or above should be used every day. Sunscreens prevent the tanning of the hyperpigmented patches since this increases their fading time.
2. Skin Brighteners
Skin brighteners that can be used include those which contain:
- Vitamin C like Olay Total Effects tone correcting night moisturizer and Neutrogena dark spot corrector.
- Vitamin B3 or niacinamide like Olay Total Effects tone correcting night moisturizer.
- Licorice extract like Dark Spot Corrector Kit.
3. Retinols
Retinols are found in products like the Dark Spot Corrector Kit and Neutrogena dark spot corrector.
4. Camouflage Therapy
Camouflage cosmetics can also be used to cover up post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Cover-up makeup usually comes as sets which include concealing creams and setting powder. The Smart Cover-up Starter Kit and the Dermablend Cover Cream are two good examples.
Ask a Dermatologist your Question
