Vanity query regarding hyperpigmentation of skin.

Hi, please don't give up your kayak for this! I am 3 1/2 yrs post treatment and the area in question while not back to normal is lighter than it was 3 yrs ago. I have such awfull vericose veins that the radiation discoloration never really bothered me all that much. I do swim occasionally for exercise, but live in central Wisconsin where even our summer temps often require warm clothes. I've never checked into them myself, but have seen lightening creams etc..........or do you think the skin is damaged beyond repair?

Hopefully someone with some knowledge will chime in, but until then, keep paddling!!

katheryn

Ouch_Ouch_Ouch said:

Thank you!

I appreciate your encouragement, eihtak. I'm happy to hear that the color can fade over time, but I missed this whole summer due to the cancer and want to get back in the water next year ASAP. I love poking around the tidal marshes of Cape Cod where I keep my kayak at my friend's cottage. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!

My skin isn't damaged anymore per se, it's back to normal aside for the deep tanned color. I've seen lots of TV commercials and magazine ads for lightening products, but they are meant for using on small facial and hand spots, not the much larger area I would need to buy the stuff for. Ka-ching! It would also be a much higher daily (2xday, 3xday?) dose of whatever active ingredients there are.

Forum Fans - If this is the way I have to go, are there any specific product names that you can recommend? And once I use such stuff, how long does it take to achieve normal skin tone? And will it last or is it necessary to repeat the treatment periodically?

Alternatively, perhaps salt-water-proof make-up? Tinted shellac? Exterior house paint?

Paddle on!

I am over 6 years out of treatment and can still see exactly where my lymph nodes in the upper thigh area were zapped, due to a darkening of my skin in those spots.  They look like large birth marks.  It is pretty noticeable to me, but I have not let it stop me from going to the beach and wearing a bathing suit.  However, I will say that those areas tend to sunburn pretty quickly, so extra sunscreen is necessary.  I guess I just have never worried that much about their appearance to others.

That said, you are obviously very conscious of them and I understand.  My recommendation would be to get a consult with a dermatologist to see if there is a procedure or topical product that will help fade these spots.  You could probably try all kinds of OTC products, but I think most of them are a waste of money and not at all effective.  I have a small dark spot between my eye and eye brow that I attempted to lighten with a very expensive OTC ointment a few years ago.  The spot did not lighten and the ointment made my skin dry out to the point of flaking like snake skin, so I gave up.  Now, I just apply a little liquid makeup on the spot and it's much less noticeable.  Of course, that is not a sensible option for you, due to the location.  

Google "home remedies for lightening skin" and see what comes up.  I just did and there are several websites.  I don't know if any of those home remedies work, but some might be worth a try.  I think I once heard that applying lemon juice works.  I don't know!  But check out the sites and see what comes up.  If you try anything and have success, please share!  I'd love to not have this dark spot over my eye!    Good luck! 

Martha