Treatment for Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation

These flat brown, grey, or darker areas can appear after acne, eczema, a rash, a burn, a wound, or another irritated patch heals. The colour is a response to inflammation rather than active infection by itself. Skin tone, depth of pigment, ongoing irritation, and sun exposure can affect how long marks remain. New spots may continue to form if the original trigger is still active.

Use gentle cleansing and moisturising, avoid picking or scrubbing, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed areas. A dermatologist may consider a prescription pigment treatment such as hydroquinone therapy, or procedures such as a chemical peel, IPL photofacial, or picosecond laser treatment. These options are not interchangeable: energy-based treatment and peels can irritate skin and may worsen pigmentation when used at the wrong setting or on an untreated condition. Review the cause and your current products before starting a brightening treatment.

Arrange an assessment if the mark is changing quickly, bleeding, painful, raised, or unlike your other spots. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or a worsening rash. A clinician can check whether the colour change is postinflammatory hyperpigmentation or another cause of dark patches on skin.

Ask what triggered the pigmentation, whether any current product is prolonging inflammation, which treatment suits your skin tone, and how to reduce the chance of new marks after a peel or laser session.