What is postinflammatory hyperpigmentation?
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH is temporary pigmentation or darkening of the skin that occurs following inflammation or injury to the skin, for example after a pimple, scratch or insect bite. It can occur anywhere on the body. It’s more common in people with darker skin, but can occur in anyone. It usually resolves on its own without treatment, but can take many months to fade.
How can I prevent it?
The best way to prevent developing postinflammatory hyperpigmentation is to try to limit injury and inflammation of your skin. Of course, it’s difficult to prevent minor trauma to the skin and insect bites, but treating acne early and avoiding picking or squeezing pimples will help reduce the chance of developing postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.
How can I treat it?
Options to help fade postinflammatory hyperpigmentation more quickly include:
- Strict sun protection with SPF 50+ sunscreen daily
- Hydroquinone
- Topical retinoids, azelaic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, Vitamin C, licorice extract, arbutin
- Chemical peels with alpha hydroxy acids
