Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation at the foot.
Discolouration after inflammation and injury, medically post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: a brown shadow after a blister, a dark mark after wart treatment, a spot left behind by a healed injury. Much of it can be lightened with light and laser, non-ablative and in a few sessions. But the foot is the place where care comes before speed, because a spot here can also hide a melanoma. That is why one order applies: first the findings with a picture and classification, then the light.
Which discolouration we treat, and which not.
- Hyperpigmentation after inflammation or skin irritation on the top of the foot and lower leg, after blisters, friction, insect bites or eczema: after the findings, LaseMD Ultra with tranexamic acid, Q-switch for stubborn, well-defined spots, IPL for flat, widespread discolouration on fair skin; sun protection, HEALITE II, patience over months
- Hyperpigmentation after a healed injury: only once fully healed, then LaseMD Ultra or Q-switch; fresh wounds are not treated
- Dark marks after wart or nail treatment: let them mature, then LaseMD Ultra or light; on the sole only after assessment
- Reddish marks after inflammation: not hyperpigmentation; HEALITE II to calm, sun protection, time
- Brown streaks in the nail, spots on the sole, toes or between the toes: assessed with particular care, because the foot is where acral lentiginous melanoma shows most often; anything unclear is not treated but referred
- Moles: never; they belong in medical control
The ABCDE rule helps: asymmetry, irregular border, several colours, diameter over 5 mm, evolution. If any applies, we do not treat but refer.
How it works.
In podiatry the spot is examined, photographed and classified; moles and anything unclear are not treated but referred. Sensitive or darker skin gets a test spot first, because light can itself trigger pigment, and there is no treatment on tanned skin. Then the series at Villa Zeltweg: LaseMD Ultra, Q-switch or IPL, HEALITE II to calm, consistent sun protection afterwards, control with a comparison picture. Entry prices according to villa-zeltweg.ch (discolouration from CHF 350 per session, skin analysis CHF 120).
How we keep it clean: laser, IPL and radiofrequency applications are performed by Nicola M. Mössner at Villa Zeltweg in the same building, within the Swiss V-NISSG competence certificate “skin and pigmentation” and exclusively non-ablative; nail fungus is treated only with the FOX 1064 nm diode laser, Stellar M22 and LaseMD Ultra are used on the skin only, never on the nail; podiatry prepares and provides aftercare. Not offered: ablative lasers, moles and unclear skin changes, applications near the eyes, spider veins, hair removal, tattoo removal. Every treatment starts with findings, information and your written consent; no particular result can be guaranteed. All treatments are self-pay services.
When we do not treat discolouration.
Not, or only after individual assessment: moles, brown streaks in the nail and all unclear skin changes; fresh tan or self-tanner; darker skin types without a test spot; photosensitising medication; pregnancy and breastfeeding, epilepsy or light sensitivity; open wounds, infections or inflammation; markedly reduced sensation or severe circulatory disorders.
Your first step.
Bring the spot to an appointment in podiatry. We look, document, classify and plan the treatment once the findings are clear. Phone 043 535 44 47.