Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
It seems that I unintentionally stopped the tyrosinase activity in my skin by using a product called Alpha Arbutin, mistaking it for another product. As a result, the melanin on the outermost layer of my skin completely disappeared. Over time, I began experiencing mild depression and depersonalization because I could no longer recognize myself in the mirror. The change no longer aligned with what my surroundings and I were used to appreciating.
After trying hundreds of solutions including other skincare products (such as vitamins and stem cells) and sun tanning nothing has restored my skin to its original state. Is there a miraculous way to regain my natural skin tone? Even though this issue might seem minor to some, it is extremely important to me. I just want to restore my normal epidermis.
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern as this can be cosmetically unacceptable. Do not worry I will help you with your concern.
Now you mentioned that you applied Arbutin for some time and it has resulted in the development of a white patch. Yes, Arbutin works by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme but when you stop Arbutin application tyrosinase resumes its activity again. So it is unlikely that you have developed this hypopigmentation due to arbutin application. Also, you mentioned that it has been eight months and the color has not come back, so I suspect it could be due to some other cause. It may be post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. But without seeing photos it is very difficult to comment and provide a definitive diagnosis. I would request you to please share a photo so I can help you in a better way.
I hope this has helped you. Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Sorry for the delay in my response. Unfortunately, the place where I am currently and the materials I have around me do not allow me to take high-quality pictures. Nevertheless, I am sharing a little visually weak example of my current situation via webcam. In this tiny picture, the left side shows my face, which has been treated with Alpha Arbutin, while the right side shows my hand, displaying my natural birth color. The Alpha Arbutin did exactly what it was created for, but unfortunately, it is not what I wanted, and having always been tanned adds to the disturbance.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, the photo is not very clear (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity), but it seems you have developed chemical or drug-induced leukoderma. It is not common with Arbutin, so just check the cream that caused this; it must have other contents like Hydroquinone or something else. Now, onto the treatment, I am advising you to use two creams:
In leukoderma, pigmentation recovery varies greatly from patient to patient, and it takes time. So, just be patient with the treatment and do not set your hopes too high. You will see improvement, but nobody can guarantee 100 percent repigmentation of the natural color of the skin because, as I mentioned, it totally depends on how patients respond to treatment. Let us hope for the best and start applying the above creams. I need a follow-up in three weeks.
You can always come back and reach me at icliniq.com.
Thank you for consulting me.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you again for your time; I greatly appreciate it.
I am extremely sorry; I just reread our past exchange without remembering that you have been asking for an update. My sincere apologies. If you are still interested in my case and would like to see photos taken three months after using the products you recommended, here they are. (The left side shows the original color, while the right side displays the effect of using Alpha Arbutin months ago. I prefer not to show my face if it does not bother you). Please excuse the rather gray tone; I am currently very stressed. To be honest, even though the color has changed, I still do not recognize my face. To clarify my impression, when people have a 'powder effect' on the surface of the skin, mine always looks like plastic, unfortunately. While this effect may be aesthetically pleasing to certain people, it is not for me. I am still patient, as I must be, fortunately, and my hopes are still not that high, as you recommended.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read my message.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Slight improvement is present, but I think you should visit a dermatologist in person for this issue. You can undergo light therapy for these white patches. I believe a proper examination is necessary for you.
Thank you for consulting me.
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Answered byDr. Deepti Shukla
Medically reviewed byDr. Divya Banu M
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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