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Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: A comprehensive overview: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and
Narumol Silpa-Archa1, Indermeet Kohli2, Suteeraporn Chaowattanapanit3
1Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan; Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|September 18, 2017
Summary
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) affects individuals with darker skin tones, often occurring after skin injury or procedures. Understanding PIH causes and using noninvasive tools aids in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Aesthetic Medicine
Background:
- Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a frequent complication, particularly in individuals with darker skin.
- It commonly arises after laser treatments, light-based procedures, and inflammatory skin conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and etiology of PIH.
- To discuss clinical presentations and differential diagnoses for hyperpigmentation.
- To explore noninvasive assessment techniques for evaluating pigmentation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Discussion of factors influencing PIH severity, including skin type and inflammation depth.
- Analysis of noninvasive diagnostic tools for pigmentation assessment.
Main Results:
- PIH severity depends on skin color, inflammation, and melanocyte stability, leading to melanin deposition.
- Melanin pigment depth is crucial for prognosis; epidermal PIH resolves faster than dermal PIH.
- Noninvasive tools objectively assess pigmentation levels and intensity.
Conclusions:
- This review details PIH's causes, clinical aspects, and diagnostic methods.
- Understanding PIH pathogenesis and utilizing objective assessment tools are key for effective management.
- This article serves as a foundation for understanding PIH in clinical practice.
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