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American Journal of Clinical Dermatology
Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 2/2011

01-04-2011 | Therapy In Practice

Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Etiologic and Therapeutic Considerations

Authors: Valerie D. Callender, MD, Sharleen St. Surin-Lord, Erica C. Davis, Marissa Maclin

Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology | Issue 2/2011

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Abstract

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a reactive hypermelanosis and sequela of a variety of inflammatory skin conditions. PIH can have a negative impact on a patient’s quality of life, particularly for darker-skinned patients. Studies show that dyschromias, including PIH, are one of the most common presenting complaints of darker-skinned racial ethnic groups when visiting a dermatologist. This is likely due to an increased production or deposition of melanin into the epidermis or dermis by labile melanocytes. A variety of endogenous or exogenous inflammatory conditions can culminate in PIH and typically most epidermal lesions will appear tan, brown, or dark brown while dermal hypermelanosis has a blue-gray discoloration.
Depigmenting agents target different steps in the production of melanin, most commonly inhibiting tyrosinase. These agents include hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, arbutin, and certain licorice (glycyrrhiza) extracts. Other agents include retinoids, mequinol, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), niacinamide, N-acetyl glucosamine, and soy, and these products depigment by different mechanisms. Certain procedures can also be effective in the treatment of PIH including chemical peeling and laser therapy. It is important to note that these same therapeutic modalities may also play a role in causing PIH. Lastly, those lesions that are not amenable to medical or surgical therapy may experience some improvement with cosmetic camouflage.
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Metadata
Title
Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Etiologic and Therapeutic Considerations
Authors
Valerie D. Callender, MD
Sharleen St. Surin-Lord
Erica C. Davis
Marissa Maclin
Publication date
01-04-2011
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology / Issue 2/2011
Print ISSN: 1175-0561
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1888
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2165/11536930-000000000-00000

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