When your skin cells react to damage or irritation by making extra melanin, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the result. This skin condition shows up as tan, brown, dark brown, or even blue-gray patches and spots on your skin. Some medical or cosmetic procedures can also cause PIH.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is characterised by flat, tan, brown or black spots on the skin. This condition can occur on any area of the body, including in the mouth, the genital areas and on the nails.
The length of time it takes for PIH to fade depends on how dark the spot is compared to the surrounding skin. The bigger the contrast between the dark area and your natural skin tone, the longer it will take to fade. PIH doesn't always fade away on its own. In some cases, it's more or less permanent.
Patients should be encouraged to avoid picking or irritating affected areas, as trauma can exacerbate postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sunscreen is essential, as ultraviolet exposure can worsen pigmentation and prolong healing; daily broad-spectrum sunscreen use should be a foundational part of treatment.
PIH appears as flat spots of discoloration. These spots can be pink, red, brown, or black, depending on skin tone and the depth of the discoloration. While post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur anywhere on the body, it is most commonly seen on the face and neck, especially in acne-prone individuals.
The three main types include age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory trauma. Post-inflammatory trauma can result from an injury, sun exposure, or a skin condition, such as acne.
In general, PIH that affects only the epidermis (the top skin layer) disappears or fades significantly on its own within six to 12 months, while dermal hyperpigmentation may take considerably longer to fade and disappear, or it may be permanent.
Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant, vitamin C helps in fading pigmentation and also protects the skin from environmental damage. Azelaic Acid: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, azelaic acid can reduce milder forms of PIH.
“Treatments containing ingredients like vitamin C, licorice root, and kojic acid help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the formation of skin-darkening melanin," says Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist in New York City.
How can you get rid of hyperpigmentation on the face for an even skin tone? The smart thing to do is to use a daily moisturizer that not only enhances the overall radiance of your skin, but has SPF to prevent sun damage and thus, hyperpigmentation.
Topical azelaic acid, which has been approved for the treatment of acne vulgaris, is useful for PIH as well. In acne patients who are prone to postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, azelaic acid may be a good treatment option.
Epidermal: Epidermal melasma has a dark brown color, a well-defined border, appears obvious under black light and sometimes responds well to treatment. Dermal: Dermal melasma has a light brown or bluish color, a blurry border, appears no differently under black light and doesn't respond well to treatment.
PIE is distinct from PIH because PIE describes residual erythema, while PIH describes subsequent pigment change. Both PIH and PIE tend to resolve over time, thus differing from a true scar that persists. Oftentimes, patients will have any combination of PIH, PIE, and true scars.
The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum has multiple benefits that address various skin concerns. A few key benefits you may note when using the retinol serum daily: Helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and post-blemish dark spots. Promotes the cell renewal process, helping skin look brighter.
The choice should come down to what you're looking to do for your skin. While vitamin C is most notable for helping to brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, retinol is typically considered best-in-class for wrinkles and fine lines.
Vitamin C can help reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone, with noticeable results in as little as 3-4 weeks.
Topical treatments to get rid of PIH
According to the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, the treatment for PIH starts with topical agents. The article states that the most commonly used topicals include hydroquinone, kojic acid, retinoids, corticosteroids, and vitamin C.
Exfoliating regularly can help remove dead skin cells and promote cell regeneration, which can improve the appearance of PIH. Always opt for gentle exfoliants that do not irritate the skin to avoid exacerbating skin inflammation and pigmentation.
This can mean stopping any medicine that's causing the problem or treating diabetes and other health conditions. Losing weight will help acanthosis nigricans fade. If you're concerned about your weight, talk to your doctor before going on a diet. Doctors may prescribe creams or lotions that can help lighten the skin.
It appears as irregular patches of tan, brown or brown-gray pigmentation, usually on the face. Melasma is more common in women than men because of hormonal changes, and it occurs more often during pregnancy. Other common triggers include sun exposure and medications like as oral contraceptives.
Your skin can develop darker patches as the result of excess melanin production, typically caused by skin inflammation, hormone fluctuations, and poor lifestyle choices.
Topical therapy is the recommended first-line treatment, with the gold standard being hydroquinone, which can be used alone or in combination with other agents.