What is the best skin whitening treatment for my underarm and inner thighs?

Dark underarms and inner thighs can be quite a concern for many of my patients.

A combination of in- clinic treatments with topical de-pigmentation creams can help to lighten the underarm and inner thighs.

In- clinic treatment can include pigment lasers (Q-Switch NDYag) and/or chemical peels to lighten these areas. Depending on your skin, typically, quite a few sessions (up to 5-10) may be required to get good results.

Yes, as mentioned by Dr Ho, home remedies that contain acids may also cause irritation and inflammation that may worsen the dark patches in these areas so do be careful.

Hope that helps!

A combination of Q switched NdYag lasers and topical de-pigmentation creams will be able to achieve lightening of the underarms and inner thighs.

Do take note that those are rather stubborn areas and will require many sessions.

With targeted pigmented areas, there are a couple of treatment options to be considered:

1. Topical lightening creams
2. Pigment Lasers
3. Chemical peels

Home remedies like what you have mentioned actually do contain acids in its natural form, but you do have to be careful because overzealous application can also cause irritation to the skin and worsening of pigmentation.,

Inflammation (if any) to those areas also contributes to pigment formation and will have to be addressed as well.

Hope that helps.

All the best!

Thank you for your question. Darkening of the underarms and inner thighs happen when there is a stimulation of pigment cells in these areas. A common cause is skin irritation. When there is repeated shaving or wearing of tight clothing, skin around that area not only becomes thicker but darker too. Discoloration can also be related to genetics, certain medical conditions, and hormonal changes like those seen in pregnancy. Individuals with darker skin types often find that they are more susceptible to it.

There are several treatment options available for this condition, and your doctor might combine multiple treatments to expedite lightening. Prescribed creams like retinoids and vitamin C are able to gradually lighten the affected areas. However, these take time when used alone. Pigment lasers are effective in targeting the discolouration while resurfacing fractional lasers and chemical peels help to encourage new collagen growth and exfoliate thick darkened skin.

Before undergoing treatment, aggravating factors causing physical or chemical irritation to the areas should be identified and removed. As our skin is naturally thicker in these regions, healing will be more gradual and it might take cumulative sessions to see meaningful lightening. Therefore, it is essential to care for your skin before as well as after the treatment.

It is best to consult a doctor for darkened underarms and inner thighs as there are various causes for this, and it may sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition that requires attention. In some cases, simple solutions like a prescription cream would suffice, without the need for expensive and lengthy treatments! An experienced consultation can be the most valuable time and monetary investment. Hope this answer helps you!