I have dermal melasma/ PIH for 13 years now. Suffer from depression and social anxiety. I read the success stories all the time, but that is from people with epidermal pigmentation. I tried almost everything. I even have depigmented areas now from using hydroquinone years back. I just wanted to open a support system for us people that realized that there is nothing that will change this condition ever and have to face the everyday struggles with it.

I somehow have this small hope, and I have no idea if it would work, Alec Falkenham's anti tattoo cream that he is developing right now. Since I believe that some of the melanin is stuck in melanophages just like tattoo ink is. But I don't know. If this cream should ever make it on the market. I doubt it would take it all away, but maybe make it somewhat better. If it would work at all.

Mine developed from taking anibiotics for my acne and going into the sun, afterwards using all kinds of bull..... creams that Doctors prescribed only to get dermal PIH all over my face now. There are invasive treatments that go deep and are of use for some people but I have olive skin, so have both hyper and hypo.

Maybe we can support each other for the sake of our mental health. I don't know anymore. It seems like a lot of people suffer from this, yet I feel alone as hell. Even if I would try to talk to a friend they would not understand. I do not nearly spend as much time with them as I used to anyway. I avoid mirrors, and can not do a job I enjoy out of the inner fear.

Even when you try talking to people, you know how it is that they stare at your skin. Even when you do try not to think about it (which is hard), but I mean when you overcome it and talk to someone the way they look at your face brings it right back.

I have pretty much realized that I will have this for ever and coping, accepting it or being happy just does not function.