How can I get rid of a black spot from acne? - Acne Treatment Questions & Answers

Answers

Replied on 10/26/2009

By: Colorado Laser Clinic | Robert T. Motazedi, MD
Colorado Springs, CO

I would recommend you find a 4% hydroquinone product to apply to the darkened area for three to four months. If this does not lighten it, I would see a laser surgeon to see if laser would help.

Replied on 10/5/2009

By: LazaDerm Skincare Centre | Dr. Lornell E. Hansen, II M.D.
Sioux Falls, SD

My assumption is that you have darker skin. Usually the best option is time. Most of these dark spots from acne come from post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation which basically means the skin gets darker in areas where there has been inflammation. The good news is that it usually goes away on its own within 3 to 6 months. Some may become permanent.

The first option is to just give it time and hope that it will go away on its own. The next option would be to use a topical that contains hydroquinone or kojic acid. I would recommend that you see a physician that deals with skin care and they can help direct you. the last option would be to use a laser but lasers have the possibility of making things worse.

Replied on 10/5/2009

By: Aspen Medical Aesthetics and Laser Clinic | Dr Chris Knuth
Mequon, WI

Acne often results in scarring. Part of the scarring process may include "post inflammatory hyper pigmentation", little dark spots at the site of the acne cyst. Certain individuals are more prone to this effect and it is more common in individuals with darker skin tones. This hyper pigmentation can be treated with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL Photo-facial) inpatients with lighter skin types. It can also be treated with hydroquinone and other topical skin lighteners in all skin types.

A discussion with a skin specialist will determine what would work best for your skin type and area to be treated.

Replied on 10/3/2009

By: Robert A Young, M.D. | St. Louis Plastic Surgeon
Chesterfield, MO

You should see your dermatologist. it depends what the "black spot" really is.

Replied on 10/3/2009

By: Esta Kronberg, M.D. | Board Certified Dermatologist
Houston, TX

It depends on your skin color. If you are not dark skinned you might possibly respond to a Photofacial (IPL) type laser. Otherwise you could respond to topical treatments with alpha hydroxyl acid (Glycolic acid) or hydroquinone in it. If you are dark skinned, I would also go cautiously with hydroquinone. I would recommend you see a Dermatologist to help make the
best decision for your skin situation. You don't want to try something too aggressive and then make it worse.

Replied on 10/2/2009

By: Ajuva Medical Spa | Dr. Debra Ravasia, MD & Dr. John Bullis, MD
Spokane, WA

Without actually examining the area in question, it is difficult to say, but usually, if it is an inclusion (material trapped in the skin) a treatment such as a dermabrasion or Hydrafacial may be able to extract it. If it is a pigment change, often a laser treatment, or a series of laser treatments will successfully fade it.

Replied on 10/2/2009

By: Celibre Medical Corporation | Laser Tattoo Removal
Torrance, CA

Hydroquinone (bleaching creams) are on option and laser treatments are another one. Normally this type of pigment will resolve on it's own after a period of days, weeks or months depending on the patient, but these are two options if you want to get rid of the marks more quickly.

Replied on 10/2/2009

By: Forever Young Med Spa | South Florida's #1 Medical Spa!
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Without seeing the dark spot it's hard to provide a good answer. Much depends on your skin type (how light or dark your complexion is), what was the cause of the dark spot (did you squeeze, is there a scar, did you use a topical and if so what was it). Treatments could include skin lighteners, lasers, or peels but again without seeing the problem it's hard to know.

Replied on 10/2/2009

By: Renew Medi Spa | Dr. Lisa Hatzos, MD
Windham, NH

The 'spots' are called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. They respond very nicely to the IPL photofacial in which the laser energy coagulates the pigment (chemically reacts with it) resulting in the pigment being removed by specialized skin cells called macrophages. Hope that helps!