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Skin Disorders (Home) > Post Inflammatory Pigmentation The existence of post-inflammatory pigmentation is often embarrassing for its sufferers. As its name suggests, this physical affliction will emerge after recovery from an inflammation of the skin. The skin will exhibit patches of darkened areas on otherwise unharmed skin areas. Causes Individuals who live with this skin disorder observe discolorations on the skin following successful treatment of a previous skin disorder. Any skin disorder that disrupts the surface of the skin can create altered pigmentation. For that reason, the medical community notes that post-inflammatory pigmentation is very noticeable in the aftermath of healing from allergic reactions. Post-inflammatory pigmentation is also created by negative reactions to certain medications, inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, or other episodic trauma to the skin. Episodic traumas include burns or puncture wounds. Patient Profile Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation is not an illness, but is, in fact, a common skin condition. This term describes the irregularly darkened patches of skin that emerge after skin trauma has inflamed the area. This change in skin color is particularly noticeable in darker complexions. However, post-inflammatory pigmentation does affect all races. It is not a gender specific medical condition. Location Altered pigmentation following treatment of inflamed skin cells is normally noted in the area surrounding the initial affliction. Darkened skin patches may range in color from black to light brown. Some victims of post-inflammatory pigmentation will sport substantially lighter or darker spots. These patches of skin may discolor with exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Certain medications can also aggravate post-inflammatory pigmentation. Traditional Healing Most persons who suffer from post-inflammatory pigmentation will heal with time. Normally, their pigmentation will return to normal as the skin sheds the epidermis, the outermost skin layer. However, if skin trauma has affected deeper layers of skin, post-inflammatory pigmentation will remain visible to the human eye. Without medical treatment, normal healing may take 12 - 18 months in order to return to an individual’s prior unblemished complexion. Medical Treatment A dermatologist can attempt to treat post-inflammatory pigmentation. Your provider may recommend usage of a topical treatment to lighten discolored surface skin. Success will vary depending on the severity of discoloration and the strength of the medication. It is important to place topical treatments solely on the afflicted areas. Careless usage in non-affected skin surfaces may cause an allergic reaction, or discolor unaltered skin cells.
Treatment Options The physician has many choices when utilizing the acid peel process. The doctor may use combinations of Kojic acid, hydroquinnone, and glycolic acid and retinoic. Kojic acid is the least harsh to sensitive skin. This acid is derived from a Japanese mushroom. Home care
Summary Post-inflammatory pigmentation is a common skin disorder that occurs after skin trauma has occurred. This affliction is quite noticeable due to discolored areas of skin. This discoloration may be treated with over the counter products, or by a medical professional. Medical professionals will attempt to repair the surface of the skin by using a chemical peel process.
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