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Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Etiologic and Therapeutic Considerations

  • Therapy In Practice
  • Therapies for Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation
  • Published:
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a reactive hypermelanosis and sequela of a variety of inflammatory skin conditions. PIH can have a negative impact on a patient’s quality of life, particularly for darker-skinned patients. Studies show that dyschromias, including PIH, are one of the most common presenting complaints of darker-skinned racial ethnic groups when visiting a dermatologist. This is likely due to an increased production or deposition of melanin into the epidermis or dermis by labile melanocytes. A variety of endogenous or exogenous inflammatory conditions can culminate in PIH and typically most epidermal lesions will appear tan, brown, or dark brown while dermal hypermelanosis has a blue-gray discoloration.

Depigmenting agents target different steps in the production of melanin, most commonly inhibiting tyrosinase. These agents include hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, arbutin, and certain licorice (glycyrrhiza) extracts. Other agents include retinoids, mequinol, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), niacinamide, N-acetyl glucosamine, and soy, and these products depigment by different mechanisms. Certain procedures can also be effective in the treatment of PIH including chemical peeling and laser therapy. It is important to note that these same therapeutic modalities may also play a role in causing PIH. Lastly, those lesions that are not amenable to medical or surgical therapy may experience some improvement with cosmetic camouflage.

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Acknowledgments

No sources of funding were used in the preparation of this review. Valerie D. Callender, MD, is a consultant and speaker for Allergan, Galderma, Skin Medica, and Proctor & Gamble, a researcher for Intendis, and a consultant and researcher for Medicis. The other authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this review.

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  1. Callender Skin and Laser Center, 12220 Annapolis Road, Suite 315, 20769, Glenn Dale, Maryland, USA

    Valerie D. Callender MD, Sharleen St. Surin-Lord & Erica C. Davis

  2. Department of Dermatology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA

    Valerie D. Callender MD & Sharleen St. Surin-Lord

  3. Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, USA

    Marissa Maclin

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  1. Valerie D. Callender MD
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Correspondence to Valerie D. Callender MD.

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Callender, V.D., St. Surin-Lord, S., Davis, E.C. et al. Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation. Am J Clin Dermatol 12, 87–99 (2011). https://doi.org/10.2165/11536930-000000000-00000

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