During treatment, darkening of your Spots can occur.
Possible causes are:
- Overuse of The Spot Cream which will lead to irritation and inflammation, and can cause more darkening (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
- Inadequate sun protection will cause darkening of spots. Remember to reapply SPF every 2-4 hours. Wear a wide brim hat. Don't sit by a window or wear spf in the car or airplane. Also, any heat sources such as cooking, sauna, computer or phone screens, etc can also exacerbate melasma.
- In the beginning of your treatment, there can be mild darkening. This is due to the pigment coming to the surface and causing a light scale.
- Birth control or hormone replacement therapy containing Estrogen or Progesterone stimulates more pigmentation, especially if you are in the sun.
- Blotchy skin such as white spots can happen in darker skin patients. Instead of getting red splotches, you may get white splotches. This means your skin is too dry and irritated. If this occurs, stop using The Spot Cream for a few days, use OTC hydrocortisone cream and SPF. After a few days, go back to The Spot Cream, but mix it with a moisturizer and use sunblock.
Finally, if your skin is not improving after several months, it may be time to see a board certified dermatologist in person.