I'm wondering if anyone on the site has opted for complete depigmentation. It's the choice I made, and it was the right one for me.
During my quest for depigmentation I encountered a LOT of opposition from the medical community. One reason being that so little of the medical community actually understands the only FDA-approved drug to this end. Many physicians confused monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone with hydroquinone. Additionally, I was told that I would look like a freak. Funny thing is no one knows or guesses I'm completely depigmented.
I had a very unstable and active form of the disease... the most innocuous stimuli caused new maculae to appear. It drove me crazy. I no longer worry about such things now that I'm completely depigiented.
I had to oversee the treatment by myself as the prescribing physician (my family doctor in Michigan) knew nothing about the drug. Fortunately, I have a background in medicine so it was easy for me to understand how to use the drug properly.
Again, it was good choice for me. I've never regretted it. I'm comforted by the fact that my skin color will remain unaltered until the day I die.
Thank you for reading my story.
Replies
Hi Jackie,
I am so happy for you. Is your depigmented skin super sensitive now? Is it true that the creme is absorbed into your body and it will depigment areas that you haven't applied it to?
No, however, I've always applied sunscreen. And yes, it is true. Good luck with whatever you decide to try.
I began using MBEH to depigment, but had so much irritation that I had to discontinue the treatment. Did you experience any irritation/burning during your depigmentation? How long did it take you to complete the depigmentation process?
Yes, I did. It's a very common reaction. There are many options to use to get you through the times of irritation, e.g., topical steroids. If you truly are committed to depigmenting , you will have to treat the irritation and continue applying the MBEH. Speak to your dermatologist. It generally takes anyone a year to two years to completely depigment, and I fell somewhere in the middle of . that period.
Good luck!
Thank you so much! Very helpful information.
You're welcome. I 'm also a nurse and self-employed educator... making it easier for me to understand the pharmacotherapeutics of the drug. When your skin is irritated it's not necessarily a bad thing. You see, inflammation of the skin increases skin permeability. In other words, more of the medication is absorbed. Get a prescription for a topical steroid from your M.D. or D.O.
Kindest regards,
Jackie
Hi, Leyla -
I depigmented with monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone, starting at 20% and then advancing to 40%.
Hope that helps.
Kindest regards,
Jackie