Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation or PIH is a common acquired skin condition occurring after any skin inflammation or injury resulting in irregular hyperpigmented macules or patches in the area of initial inflammation or injury.
It results from the overproduction of melanin or abnormal melanin deposition in the epidermis or dermis following inflammation. Epidermal hyperpigmentation is tan, brown or dark brown while dermal hyperpigmentation is blue gray. While epidermal hyperpigmentation tends to improve over time dermal hyperpigmentation tends to be permanent.
Most common causes are : Acne, Eczema, Impetigo.
But any trauma or irritation to the skin can cause PIH and includes :
Iatrogenic causes include :
Medical Procedures like Radiation Therapy.
Cosmetic Procedures like Lasers, Chemical Peels.
Identifying the source of inflammation and treating it may help PIH to heal more quickly and be less severe. PIH also fade slowly over months and years without treatment. Treatments that speed up the process of PIH removal include topical medications that contain :
Resistant PIH, which is deep dermal can be treated with a combination of Chemical Peels : mostly Glycolic, Salicylic, TCA peels used.
Q-Switch Nd: YAG Laser which works by selective photothermolysis of melanin pigments.
UV rays have big impact on PIH and so proper UV protection to prevent PIH aswell as to prevent PIH skin from more darkening and formation of new areas of hyperpigmentation. Advice to be followed :
It is to be noted that only experienced clinicians should use the treatment tools for PIH like chemical peels and lasers as these treatments themselves can cause skin irritation and add to hyperpigmentation.
At Zoe Aesthetic PIH is treatment is done only by highly experienced and qualified dermatologists.