HomeAnswersDermatologypost-inflammatory hyperpigmentationHow to treat dark spots between the breasts?

I have dark spots between my breasts without any symptoms. What could it be?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At December 23, 2020
Reviewed AtAugust 29, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 19 years old. I have dark spots between my breasts. I am not sure at what age it started to appear but I know I have had it for a couple of years now. Please help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is postinflammatory hyperpigmentation marks due to atopy or eczematous dermatitis. Use Kojic soap for the bath for three months and Kojic cream at night for three months. Take tablet Limcee 500 mg once a day after breakfast for 30 days. Is there itching? Is it spreading? Do you scratch or rub the lesion? Do you have a dry scaly skin type? What are the aggravation factor? Does it aggravate during winters? Do you wear tight clothes, inners, and bra? is there excess sweating? Do you have a history of Allergies? Is there any contact with irritants or harsh soap use?

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

It does not itch. Yes, I believe it has spread. I rub it when I shower, but it just turns red the scrubbing. Sometimes it does become dry, so I put the lotion in that area. It does not become aggravated, no winter aggravations. I usually wear sports bras since they are more comfortable, in my opinion. My clothes are not usually tight. There is no excess sweating in that area. I feel like it does have a weird smell when I sweat in that area, like after I finish exercising. No history of allergies or irritation. I guess I am pretty harsh with it and the soap when I am in the shower since I have always tried to scrub it off.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Avoid scrubbing or scratching lesions as it may cause deep scars and PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) marks. A dermatologist prescription for hyperpigmentation is as follows. Use Kevon Stay On lotion 20 minutes before bathing for 20 days or Candid TV lotion 20 minutes before bathing for 20 days. Wear loose, thin, comfortable cotton inners or clothes. Avoid tight wear, occlusion, or friction. Use mild soap like Cetaphil or Dove or Pears for the bath. Do you have a history of fungal infection or T.versicolor in the past? Spreading lesions are a sign of fungal infection. Moisture, heat, humidity, or sweat favors the growth of fungus. Do you have a dry skin type? Do you have a history of atopy?

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

To my knowledge, I do not have a history of fungal infections or T.versicolor. No history of atopy. My skin, in general, can be sensitive at times and does become dry at times.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Apply Kojic cream at night and Kojic soap for the bath for three months. Apply Skin-first moisturizing lotion or Cetaphil lotion twice daily in the morning and noon for two months daily. Moisturize immediately after bath to maintain skin hydration and avoid dryness. Take tablet Limcee 500 mg once a day after breakfast for 30 days. If your skin is red, inflamed, dry, itchy, and scaly, it could be xerosis. The causes can be bathing too frequently, harsh soaps, hot water shower, poor water intake, low humidity, dry winters, exposure to the sun, and AC or central heat. Avoid hot water shower and long baths as it can cause dryness. Drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Moisturize the skin after a shower. Eat a diet rich in Zinc, Vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acid. Avoid rubbing the skin with the towel and harsh scrubbing. Gently pat dry. Use olive oil and almond oil to soothe the skin. Avoid soaps, perfumes, detergents containing drying agents, and alcohol. Do you have any history of drug allergies?

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I do not have a drug history or drug allergies. I appreciate your help. Is that all I should do?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, it is postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (it will take time, say three to four months, to fade). Use Photostable sunscreen daily at 9 AM, 12 PM, and 3 PM for three months. Avoid direct sun exposure. Avoid wearing a tight-fitting bra and vigorous scratching or scrubbing lesion as it may cause deep or permanent scars. Take all precautions and treatment mentioned previously.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav
Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Venereology

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