Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

What is Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation?

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common skin condition that occurs when the skin produces excess melanin following an injury or inflammation during the healing process. This results in patches of darker skin tone that can vary in colour from light brown to dark brown, pink, red, or even grey. PIH can affect both the surface level of the skin (epidermis) and the deeper layers (dermis), and while it’s usually temporary, it can take weeks, months, or even longer to resolve.

Symptoms

Darker Skin Patches: Patches or spots of skin that are darker than your natural skin tone, ranging from light to dark brown, pink, red, or grey.
Symmetrical or Asymmetrical Appearance: PIH can appear in a symmetrical pattern or as isolated spots depending on the cause.
Affected Areas: Commonly affected areas include the face, back, chest, and any area that has experienced inflammation or injury.
No Additional Symptoms: PIH does not typically cause itching, pain, or any other symptoms besides the visible darkening of the skin.
Duration and Persistence: While PIH typically fades over time, the duration can vary depending on the depth of the pigmentation and individual skin type. Some spots might fade within a few weeks, while others could persist for months or even years, especially without treatment.
Variability in Appearance: The colour intensity of PIH can vary not only based on the depth of the pigmentation but also due to environmental factors (e.g., sun exposure) and skin tone. For example, in lighter skin tones, PIH might appear more pink or red, while in darker skin tones, it may appear brown or black.

Causes

Skin Trauma: Any injury to the skin, such as cuts, burns, or abrasions, can lead to PIH as the skin heals.
Inflammatory Skin Conditions: Conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis can trigger PIH during flare-ups.
Genetic Predisposition: Some people may be more genetically predisposed to developing PIH, especially if they have a family history of hyperpigmentation or certain skin conditions.
Incorrectly Administered Treatments: Some medical or cosmetic treatments, especially those that cause irritation or inflammation (such as microdermabrasion, aggressive chemical peels or other exfoliating methods) can lead to PIH if not performed properly or if the skin isn’t properly cared for post-treatment.
Sun Exposure: UV exposure can worsen PIH by darkening the affected areas and causing new patches to form.
Increased Melanin Production: Inflammation stimulates melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) to release excess melanin, leading to the darkened spots.

Recommended Treatments For Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation can be challenging to treat, often requiring a combination of treatments and medical-grade skincare products. Consistency and patience are key, as the condition may take time to improve.