Discoloration from Bikini Waxing

[moonneko]

I've gotten a bikini wax, and for the first time (this never happened before), it looks like I got really bad bruising, and my skin color in the area is now a really dark shade. Also, the skin became very dry and rough, probably from me walking around in skirts and having the area rub together frequently. How long until the dark pigmentation will go awak? How can I help it heal faster?

[FlawedThinking]

I have experienced hyperpigmentation after my first wax.  It developed a few days after the "brazilian" bikini wax.  Are your recommendations for me similar?  I am African American and would like to know how I can lighten the area (back to it's normal color) and if you would recommend I never wax again.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It looks like the area has chafed. To prevent chafin,apply a lubricant like petroleum jelly to your thighs and wear clothing that serves as a barrier between layers of skin (athletic tights or cycling shorts).Avoid coarse clothing and wear 100% cotton fabric against your skin and clothing that is free of moisture, dried sweat, chemicals, dirt and other debris.

Also apply calamine lotion on the skin that has already chafed. If the symptoms are severe then please apply a mild steroid cream on the rash. Also if there is any hyperpigmentation, Topical treatments with acids and chemical peels can be effective but can take a while for the skin to totally revert to its normal color.  Microdermabrasion can also be done, but this might require several sessions.  Skin resurfacing using lasers is also an option.  

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.