What should you know about PIH hyperpigmentation treatment?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a flat dark mark left after inflammation or injury, such as acne, eczema, a burn, or irritation. It is not the same as a raised scar. The colour can range from light brown to deep brown or grey, depending on how much pigment is present and where it sits in the skin. A clinician may first check whether the trigger is still active and whether another cause of dark patches needs consideration.

Begin with gentle cleansing, regular moisturising, and diligent protection from daylight, because ultraviolet and visible light can make marks harder to fade. Treatment may include a prescribed pigment-modulating cream, a chemical peel, or a device such as IPL or a picosecond laser. Choice depends on the trigger, location, depth of pigment, skin tone, and risk of irritation. Introduce one change at a time and stop a product that causes burning, swelling, or a rash.

Seek a dermatology review when a patch is changing quickly, becoming irregular, bleeding, painful, itchy without an obvious trigger, or appearing without preceding inflammation. Arrange care if treatment causes blistering, marked swelling, or worsening discolouration. Persistent marks may need a different diagnosis or a slower, more tailored plan.

Ask what caused the inflammation, whether the pigment is superficial or deeper, which option fits your skin tone, how to combine treatment with sunscreen, and what irritation should make you stop.