dark cream colour - #15300
I am seriously freaking out over this change I’ve noticed on my skin. Outta nowhere, I started seeing these really weird patches that are a dark cream colour, like a tan mixed with dark brown, and I can’t figure out what’s going on. It all started about a month ago when I was on vacation, just chilling at the beach, and now I have these spots appearing on my arms and legs. At first, I thought maybe it was a reaction to the sunscreen or something, but now I’m not so sure. I definitely did not have any issues before. Has anyone else dealt with skin that's gone this dark cream colour where it wasn't before? It's kinda alarming because it seems to be spreading a little. I went to my doctor, but they said that it could be a few things like hyperpigmentation or maybe even some kind of fungal issue? They didn’t really explain it well and just told me to monitor it. I’m worried that if this dark cream colour spreads more, it’ll be noticeable and embarrassing! Can anyone share what this might be? How do you even treat skin that's turning that dark cream colour? I just wanna feel normal in my own skin again! Any tips or experiences would really help, I’m just feeling lost here.
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Doctors’ responses
From what you’ve described, those dark cream coloured patches could indeed be caused by several possible conditions. One common condition is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly if the skin was irritated or exposed to more sun than usual during your vacation. Sun exposure can sometimes trigger these changes, especially if you’ve been in areas with intense sunlight. Another possibility could be a fungal infection like tinea versicolor, which is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast that normally lives on your skin. It commonly results in discolored patches that can appear tan or dark brown, and it often affects the back, chest, or arms.
Both conditions are manageable, but they require different treatments. For hyperpigmentation, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily is crucial as it prevents the spots from worsening. You might also consider over-the-counter topical treatments containing ingredients like retinoids or vitamin C, which can help in evening out skin tone over time. If it’s a fungal issue, antifungal treatments like selenium sulfide or ketoconazole lotions and shampoos might be effective. Applying them regularly as directed can help to clear up the patches. However, it’s really important to confirm the diagnosis with a dermatologist. They can do a simple examination or tests like a skin scraping to determine whether a fungal infection is present, and guide you on the right treatment path.
Since you mentioned that it’s spreading, I would advise seeing a dermatologist sooner rather than later, to rule out any other causes that might need different treatments or more immediate attention. Remember to protect your skin by wearing protective clothing or using mineral-based sunscreens especially if you’re prone to react to chemical ones, and hydrate your skin adequately. This situation might be frustrating, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, you can likely get back to feeling comfortable in your skin.
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