Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - causes & tratments | Eucerin
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (also known as PIH and hyperpigmentation caused by inflammation) is a type of hyperpigmentation that can affect the face and body. It appears as flat spots of discolouration. These range in colour from pink to red, brown or black, depending on skin tone and the depth of discolouration.
The root cause of PIH is increased melanin production. Melanin is the pigment that defines the colour of a person’s skin and the increase in melanin is triggered by the way skin heals after inflammation or injury.
1 Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: a review of the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment options in skin of colour. E.C. Davis and V.D. Callender. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 Jul; 3(7): 20-31
PIH often affects people with acne and it can sometimes be triggered by skin treatments such as dermabrasion, chemical peels and laser therapy.
An injury, rash or blemish causes skin to become inflamed. This inflammation triggers melanocytes - the melanin-producing cells – to release excessive melanosomes (pigment granules). The excessive pigment granules darken and discolour the formerly wounded area, remaining there long after the initial wound has recovered.
The more inflammation there is, the more obvious the area of discolouration will be both in terms of size and colour. And, in cases where PIH is caused by acne, picking pimples can worsen the condition.
Whilst not the cause of PIH, the sun can aggravate symptoms, darkening the affected patches and prolonging the time it can take for them to fade. The sun is closely associated with other forms of hyperpigmentation such as age spots (also known as sun spots) and melasma.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is harmless but melanoma can be life-threatening. If you have any concerns about your pigment spots – if they change shape, size and colour or if they become itchy and start to bleed – it’s important that you consult your doctor.
- Blemish-prone skin: read what can I do to help reduce blemishes and care for my skin? and find out more about the Eucerin DermoPurifyer range.
- Atopic skin: read how to calm and care for adult atopic skin and find out more about the Eucerin AtoControl range.
- Skin undergoing dermatological treatments: read what’s the best way to care for my skin after laser treatment? and/or what are chemical peels and how do they work? and discover Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm.
- Skin affected by minor burns: read what’s the best way to care for minor burns?
Eucerin Sun Face Oil Control Dry Touch SPF 50+ give oily, acne-prone skin the sun protection it needs
- Limit the time you spend in the sun
- Keep out of the sun during its most intense hours
- Wear protective clothing and sun-hats whenever possible
- Apply a sun protection product that offers the level of protection your skin needs and that is proven to be suitable for your skin type and/or condition.
Eucerin’s superior sun protection range includes face and body products that are suitable for blemish-prone skin, atopic skin and skin that has recently undergone dermatological treatments.