Natural Home Remedies for Diabetic Hyperpigmentation

Q: How can I treat dark spots or hyperpigmentation naturally? - D. P.

A: The hyperpigmentation you speak of is called acanthosis nigricans (AN). Acanthosis nigricans (ak-an-THOE-sis NIE-grih-kuns) is a skin condition that causes dark discoloration in the folds and creases of the body, typically seen in the armpits, neck and groin. The affected skin can also become thickened and may smell bad.

Acanthosis nigricans, which can be diagnosed by a dermatologist, is not a disease; it is a symptom of another condition that my require medical attention, such as pre-diabetes, diabetes or thyroid disease.

To clear AN, you have to treat the condition that is causing it. In a nutshell, you must change your eating habits, exercise and lose weight so that you can gain control of your diabetes. This will help you get the acanthosis nigricans under control.

Those changes can include:
- eating more dark greens
- reduce the amount of white sugar
- what the amount of natural sugars in your diet

Here are 5 other natural topical treatments for AN include...

1. Lemon

Lemon contains citric acid that helps bleach the skin, making it a popular home treatment for hyperpigmentation. This natural bleaching agent can effectively fade dark blemishes on your skin.

Extract fresh lemon juice and rub it on the skin using a cotton ball. Leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes, and then wash it off with water. Follow this remedy twice daily for a few months until you notice improvement.
Alternatively, you can prepare a facial mask with equal amounts of lemon juice and raw honey. Mix the ingredients well and then apply it to the affected skin. Cover the skin with a warm towel for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this once a week for a few months.

Note: Those who have sensitive skin must dilute the lemon juice with a little water before using it.

2. Raw potato

Raw potato works very well to help lighten hyperpigmented skin as well as other spots and blemishes on the skin. Potatoes contain catecholase, an enzyme that is believed to help lighten skin tone.

Peel a potato and cut it into thick pieces. Put a few drops of water on the surface of a potato piece and then rub it on your skin for five to 10 minutes. Then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this three or four times a day for at least a month.
Grate one medium-size potato and squeeze the juice out of it. Add an equal amount of lemon juice to it and mix well. Apply the solution on the pigmented area and leave it on for about 20 to 30 minutes before washing it off. Do this twice daily for a month.

3. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is simply miraculous when it comes to reducing the appearance of dark patches on the skin due to hyperpigmentation. It has excellent skin lightening as well as astringent properties that can help restore your skin’s natural color.

Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water. Use this solution to rinse the affected area. Leave it on for two to three minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Follow this remedy twice a day for a few weeks.
Alternatively, add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to half a glass of warm water. Then mix in one teaspoon of honey. Drink this solution twice a day, morning and night, for a couple of weeks until you notice improvement.

4. Masoor Dal Face Mask

Soak 50 grams of red lentils overnight in water.
Blend them into a fine paste.
Apply the paste evenly over your face and leave it on for 20 minutes.
Rinse with cold water and pat dry.

5. Black Tea Water

Add a tablespoon of fresh black tea leaves to a cup of boiling distilled water.
Soak a cotton ball in the tea water and apply it to areas of hyperpigmentation twice a day.

If it is unsightly and embarrassing the dark patches may be covered by cosmetics or lightened with prescription skin lighteners. This will not cure the symptom because the root cause (diabetes) is still present, but it can provide some relief.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to 'Ask Dr. Renee'. Follow me on Twitter @AskDrRenee and on my website.