Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is an area of darker skin where acne or a wound has healed.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Symptoms
PIH usually looks like a flat area of discoloration on the skin.
PIH can develop in allskin types.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
However, it tends to be more severe and longer-lasting for people with medium to dark complexions.
As the skin heals, it produces too muchmelanin(the protein that gives the skin its color).
This darkens the skin.
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Most people with acne have some degree of PIH.
And it’s not just the significant blemishes that cause these spotshyperpigmentation can follow even relatively minor pimples andblemishes.
That said, the more inflamed a breakout, the larger and darker the PIH spot tends to be.
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In addition, picking orpopping a pimpleincreases the chance of developing PIH because it increases inflammation.
It’s not pitted or raised, but rather simply darker than the surrounding skin.
Acne scars are not related to hyperpigmentation, although they may look similar.
The first step toward treating both acne scars and PIH is focused on acne control.
Hyperpigmentation Acne Treatment
Whatever treatment option you choose, understand that improvement will take time.
This is not a comprehensive list.
Your healthcare provider can guide you through all the possible options to properly treat your skin.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) treatment can take anywhere from eight to 12 weeks or longer.
Concealers must benoncomedogenic, meaning they will not block skin pores.
it’s possible for you to find these ingredients in many OTC “brightening” treatments.
Other OTC ingredients that can help fade hyperpigmentation include:
More potent AHA treatments are available with a prescription.
AHAs are often used as anti-aging treatments and will leave your skin soft and smooth.
These creams often contain additional lightening ingredients, which can give better results than hydroquinone alone.
This rapidexfoliationcan also help fade PIH.
Retinoid creams include:
An added benefit of retinoids is that they lessen PIH as they treat acne breakouts.
Except for Differin, these medications are available by prescription only.
Like other treatments, it may take several weeks to months to see noticeable results.
People sometimes use azelaic acid along with glycolic acid or tretinoin.
Azelaic acid is available over-the-counter or by prescription.
Buttimeis the operative word.
PIH can take three to 24 months to disappear entirely, or even longer in some cases.
How long does it take for acne hyperpigmentation to fade?
PIH doesn’t always fade away on its own.
In some cases, it’s more or less permanent.
Some treatments will help.
Some may not wholly erase dark marks, but they might at least lighten them considerably.
Over-the-counter (OTC) products can help fade more subtle marks.
Yourdermatologisthas a lot of products that can do the trick.
In-Office Treatments
More persistent cases of PIH can be treated professionally at your dermatologist’s office.
Treatments include:
Just one treatment isn’t enough to fade hyperpigmentation.
Control Your Acne
Before treatment, your acne should be under control.
Over-the-counter acne productsare effective for treating mild acne.
Use Sunscreen
Use sunscreen every day and a sunhat as well.
If you’re worried that sunscreen could make your breakouts worse, don’t be.
There are manysunscreens for breakout-prone skin.
Monitor Your Skin
Monitor your skin for irritation.
Although treatments are helping you clear your skin, acne and PIH treatments also have the potential for irritation.
Unfortunately, irritated skin could lead to even more dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Summary
PIH is dark spots left on the skin after a pimple heals.
It doesn’t damage the skin, so it doesn’t cause pits or raised scars on the skin.
Some spots may never fade.
Treatments include OTC creams, prescription medications, and in-office procedures.
To get the best results from treatment, be sure your acne is under control and use sunscreen.
During treatment, carefully watch your skin for irritation.
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