I had cold sores around my mouth about 6 weeks ago and have now been left with dark shadowing.

Your questions answered by our surgeon, Lucian Ion, FRCS(Plast)

Asked on 13 November 2011

Question

I had cold sores around my mouth about 6 weeks ago and have now been left with dark shadowing (like I have a moustache and beard).

I am very stressed and would like to find out if this may fade in time or if you could please kindly recommend best procedure to get rid of this and cost.

Answer

It is quite likely that the pigmentation you have noticed (post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation ) will improve spontaneously, but will require a few months of regular sun protection using a ~30 SPF sunblock.

It is possible to reduce the pigmentation also with products based on hydroquinone or kojic acid or the Lumixyl range. Chemical peels may have value also, in conjunction with skin preparation and followed by post-peel treatment with bleaching agents.

Mr Lucian Ion FRCS(Plast)
129 Harley Street
London
W1G 6BA