The color of your eyes, hair, and skin comes down to the natural pigment called melanin. Your body manufactures melanin as a result of your inherited genetic traits, as well as in response to various conditions, including ultraviolet light exposure and changing hormone levels in the body.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) results from increased melanin production triggered by a skin injury or irritation. Acne is one of the most common reasons why you may develop PIH.
Dermatologist Dr. Clement Banda of MD Vein & Skin Specialists in Columbia, Maryland, can help when PIH occurs as a result of acne outbreaks, as well as many other causes. Let’s examine PIH more closely to help you understand this cosmetic skin condition.
“Hyperpigmentation” translates to “too much color,” and in the case of your skin, this means an overabundance of melanin in the epidermis and dermis, the top two layers of your skin. In PIH, this excess pigment appears in response to some sort of inflammatory condition.
PIH isn’t something that affects every person who experiences skin inflammation. People with darker skin types experience PIH more often than fairer-skinned people. No one knows exactly why PIH happens in some patients but not in others of similar skin type.
For those prone to PIH formation, acne, eczema, and impetigo are the most common causes, but you can also develop this harmless skin reaction from conditions like:
Some cosmetic and medical procedures may cause PIH as a side effect. Some examples include chemical peels, light therapy, cryotherapy, and radiation treatments.
A typical acne outbreak features a variety of skin blemishes, including blackheads, whiteheads, papules, and pustules. When a blemish becomes infected, usually from bacteria living on your skin, it’s normal to see redness in response to the infection.
PIH adds darker spots, usually colored brown, to the skin discolorations associated with acne. The appearance of PIH can vary in darkness based on your skin tone and how deeply the overproduction of melanin occurs.
Preventing PIH begins by controlling the underlying acne condition or, if PIH is already present, preventing future outbreaks. Sun protection in the form of barrier clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, and daily use of broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreens can also reduce additional melanin formation.
Conservative treatments for PIH focus on topical creams and ointments to block melanin production, reduce inflammation, or lighten existing dark spots. Professional treatments include prescription-strength medications, chemical peels, and light-based therapy.
The most effective treatments match both your skin type and the severity of your PIH. Start the process by consulting with Dr. Banda and the team at MD Vein & Skin Specialists. You can book an appointment online or by calling our office directly. Arrange your visit today.
