Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) Treatment
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Causes
The causes of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are varied, encompassing a wide range of triggers. Despite having varied causes, the same trigger can produce different degrees of discoloration in different skin types. For example, a mild acne breakout might cause minimal PIH in one person but result in more pronounced discoloration in another.
The most common causes of PIH include the following:
Infections: Acne, fungal infections, viral infections, and bacterial infections can all lead toPIH as the skin heals.- Allergic skin responses: Conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and insect bites can result in PIH due to the inflammatory response.
- Autoimmune conditions: Diseases like psoriasis can cause PIH because of chronic inflammation.
- Injuries: Burns, cuts, scrapes, and cosmetic procedures such as laser therapies and chemical peels can lead to PIH during the healing process.
- Medications: Certain drugs, including antibiotics, antimalarials, and antipsychotics, can induce PIH as a side effect.
The duration and severity of PIH depend on the individual's skin type and melanin deposition depth.
Epidermal PIH, where the pigment is located in the upper layers of the skin, is more likely to fade over time with proper treatment and sun protection. This type of PIH generally responds well to topical treatments and tends to resolve within months to a couple of years.
However, dermal PIH, where the pigment is deposited deeper in the skin, tends to be more enduring and challenging to treat. This deeper pigmentation often requires more aggressive and prolonged treatment approaches, and may not fade as readily as epidermal PIH.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Symptoms
Signs of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) includet he following:
- Unraised patch of dark skin that might be tan, brown, or almost black.
- Discoloration that appears after an inflammatory skin condition or injury.
- Darkened areas that persist even after the initial inflammation or injury has healed.
- Patches that are well-defined and may vary in size and shape.
- Darkened skin changes that are not infected, painful, or itchy, in contrast to the original inflammation or injury.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be difficult to predict, though a healthcare provider can assess the affected area using the following criteria:
- Skintone: Individuals with very tan or dark skin tones are more susceptible to significant PIH due to higher melanin production.
- Degree of injury or inflammation: More aggressive or prolonged inflammation can lead to more pronounced hyperpigmentation.
- Healing time: Areas that take longer to heal are more likely to develop persistent PIH.
- Location of the affected area: The face, neck, upper chest, and shins are more susceptible to noticeable PIH.
- History of hyperpigmentation: Individuals who have previously experienced PIH are more likely to develop it again following new injuries or inflammation.
