Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Causes, Treatments, and What Actually Works
When your skin heals from a pimple, cut, burn, or rash, it sometimes leaves behind a dark spot—that’s post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a common skin condition where excess melanin is produced after inflammation or injury. Also known as PIH, it’s not a scar, but it can last months or even years if not managed properly. It happens to everyone, but it’s more noticeable—and often more distressing—in people with darker skin tones. Unlike acne scars, which change the skin’s texture, PIH only changes color. You can’t see it by touch, but you see it every time you look in the mirror.
This isn’t just about cosmetics. sun protection, the most critical factor in preventing and fading PIH is often ignored. UV light doesn’t just cause wrinkles—it wakes up melanocytes, the cells that make pigment, and tells them to keep producing color long after the original injury is gone. Even on cloudy days or through windows, UV exposure can make PIH darker and slower to fade. That’s why sunscreen isn’t optional here—it’s the foundation of any treatment plan. Pair that with topical treatments like niacinamide, azelaic acid, or low-dose hydroquinone, and you’re building a real strategy. But not all creams work the same. Some over-the-counter products promise quick fixes but lack clinical backing. Real progress takes consistency, not hype.
photosensitivity, a reaction where skin becomes extra sensitive to sunlight due to medications or conditions makes PIH worse. If you’re on antibiotics like doxycycline, retinoids for acne, or even some antidepressants, your skin is more vulnerable. That’s why skin discoloration, a broad term covering all types of unwanted pigmentation changes from PIH often overlaps with drug-related sun reactions. It’s not coincidence. The same medications that help clear acne can trigger darker spots if you’re not protecting your skin. And if you’re using harsh scrubs, chemical peels, or laser treatments without professional guidance, you might be making it worse—adding more inflammation, which then creates more pigment.
What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t a list of miracle cures. It’s real-world advice from people who’ve dealt with this, and the science behind what actually works. You’ll see how sun protection ties into managing side effects from common meds, why some treatments fail because they ignore the root cause, and how to avoid making PIH last longer by accident. No fluff. No hype. Just what you need to know to get your skin back to its natural tone—without waiting years for it to fade on its own.
Skin of Color Dermatology: Managing Hyperpigmentation and Keloids
Hyperpigmentation and keloids are common, distressing skin conditions in people with darker skin tones. Learn what causes them, how to treat them safely, and why sunscreen is non-negotiable.
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