What Is Good for Dark Spots Around the Mouth?

There are remedies for dark spots on the face.

Dark spots around the corners of the mouth or other facial areas are a condition known as hyper-pigmentation. The drugs, hydroquinone and tretinoin, both prescription creams are the most effective remedies for fading these spots.

Causes

Causes of hyperpigmentation include hormonal birth control such as the pill or progesterone injections, allergic (phototoxic) reactions to scented toiletries, sun exposure, and pregnancy. With pregnancy, the spots usually fade within a few months of the baby's birth.

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone comes in a cream or lotion formulation and can be obtained over the counter is a 2 percent strength, but with a prescription in a 4 percent strength. It is recommended that it be applied twice a day, once in the morning after facial cleansing and once in evening after facial cleansing.

Results

It will take about twice as long to see visible results using the weaker, over the counter formulation as with the prescription strength. Results should be apparent within two weeks of judicious use of the over the counter preparation, and within one week of use of the prescription formula.

Tretinoin

Tretinoin cream can be obtained in varying strengths by a prescription only. Tretinoin creams are commonly used to combat acne, but have the added effect of fading hyper-pigmentation, or dark spots on the face.

Warning

Using hydroquinone and tretinoin are effective ways to fade dark spots around the mouth. However, both tend to make the skin very sensitive to sunlight so it is advisable to use a sunblock daily when outside--rain or shine.

References

• Drug Information Online
• Tretinoin Cream