Skinformation: Hyperpigmentation
Q. I was taking a hot pan out of the oven and burned my wrist. It was very red, swollen, and painful, but eventually, it got better. However, that was two months ago and I still have a dark brown scar. Will this ever go away or is it something I’ll always have?
Q. When I get a pimple, it eventually goes away but it leaves a dark mark on my skin that doesn’t go away. Over the years, I have accumulated numerous dark spots on my face and I have to wear heavy makeup to cover them. Is there something I can do about these scars?
A. Each of these cases is an example of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), a condition that we see in our practice on a daily basis. PIH is a discoloration of the skin that appears following an injury or inflammation of the skin, such as acne, rashes, burns, scrapes, insect bites, or surgery. It occurs more often in darker-colored skin tones.
We treat this condition with medical-grade topical products and procedures such as ultrasound, lasers, and chemical peels, when needed. It’s also vital to protect the discolored skin from the sun after one develops PIH. In many cases, PIH can be prevented or minimized if the skin tone and texture are uniform in color prior to the incident. If you do notice discoloration, it can be improved or eliminated, either early or later, although early treatment is best. If you are getting more PIH in general, retinoids, bleaches, exfoliants, and sunblocks may be in your future.