Most of us can't go through life without having a scar or some skin discoloration of some kind. But, when it comes to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) on our faces, we don't want to wait years for the marks to fade away.
PIH normally resolves on its own. However, it might take up to two years to fully resolve. Topical medicines and in-office procedures like laser treatments can help speed up the process.
Keep on reading to learn all about your treatment options for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
What Exactly Is Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)?
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a temporary or permanent pigmentation that occurs after a skin injury.
Patients with darker skin tones are more likely to develop PIH. Simply because their skin is more susceptible to this sort of damage.
Inflammatory acne, eczema, and different dermatoses may all cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Even certain treatments, such as antimalarials, may produce post-inflammatory skin pigmentation.
When the skin is injured, the inflammation in the epidermis induces melanocytes to produce more melanin and transfer it to the surrounding keratinocytes. The dermal layer of the skin may also be harmed. And, this causes the melanin to get trapped and look discolored.
Inflamed skin heals with patches that range from pale brown to practically black in hue. UV light exposure, as well as laser therapy, exacerbates this inflammation.
As a result, you'll want tight sun protection for inflamed or hyperpigmented regions. You'll need regular reapplication of sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or more. It's critical to enable the skin to recover.
What Are the Options for Hyperpigmentation Treatments?
Identifying and addressing the cause of inflammation may help your PIH recover faster and with less severity. Without treatment, hyperpigmented areas may fade on their own.
There are various different forms of topical treatment that may minimize PIH skin spots to assist speed up the process.
Hydroquinone and azelaic acid are skin lighteners that may help decrease melanin formation;
To accelerate skin cell turnover, retinoids and steroids are used;
Chemical peels such as salicylic or glycolic acid are used to remove melanin-rich skin cells.
Deeper dermoid PIH is more difficult to cure, although it may be treated with harsher chemical peels or certain forms of laser treatment. Some PIH treatments have the potential to cause irritation and even worsen the disease, so it's critical to be aware of your skin's health.
There is no straightforward cure for PIH. Even with therapy, your skin may take a long time to recover to normal. Epidermal PIH may persist for 6–12 months or longer. Dermal PIH may take years to dissipate, and patches are sometimes persistent.
There's also a potential that additional spots can appear, or that your PIH will reappear after disappearing.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is often treated with more than one approach. Your doctor may advise you to use a combination of a topical steroid, a retinoid, and hydroquinone.
But, the more effective path would be laser treatments.
How Do Laser Treatments Combat Hyperpigmentation?
There are many various types of hyperpigmentation. And, the sort of cosmetic operation that is best for treating hyperpigmentation depends on how the issue manifests itself. In addition to the patient's skin tone.
Laser therapy may aid patients who want to reduce the appearance of age spots and sun damage. Melasma is a skin ailment that is distinguished by brown or grey-brown patches of skin that are darker in color than the surrounding skin.
Melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may be exacerbated by laser therapy. Since the heat and energy may cause the pigment itself to become more entrenched in the skin.
Some types of hyperpigmentation respond well to laser therapy. But, treating others with lasers might make them much more difficult to eradicate later. As a result, it is critical that patients seek treatment for hyperpigmentation from professionals who have the skills and experience to propose the most effective therapies for them.
And, you can always go for the best laser clinic in Brampton.
Fraxel Laser
Because of its unique ability to tackle a wide range of skin issues, the dual laser is frequently referred to as the "magic eraser."
Fraxel is a good treatment choice for Fitzpatrick skin types I-III patients. Specifically, those who want to diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation caused by sun spots, age spots, freckles, and an uneven skin tone or texture.
Fraxel uses fractionated laser technology to generate micro-injuries in the skin in order to boost the skin's natural wound-healing process. It encourages the synthesis of new collagen and healthy skin cells. Fraxel may be used to treat acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, and stretch marks in addition to hyperpigmentation.
However, Fraxel should not be used to treat melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Patients with darker complexion should avoid Fraxel treatment since it might create undesired side effects.
Nd:YAG Lasers
The AlexTrivantage laser is a Nd:YAG laser that is used to treat specific sun spots and pigmented lesions.
AlexTrivantage emits light wavelengths that are absorbed by extra pigment in the skin. The light energy is then transformed into heat. So, it removes the hyperpigmentation while also stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin cells.
This laser therapy may also be used to remove tattoos. The AlexTrivantage laser therapy is ideal for treating isolated sunspots and pigmented lesions. It also keeps the surrounding skin unharmed.
The Clear + Brilliant laser is a mild resurfacing laser that is also known as a "small Fraxel." Clear + Brilliant uses tiny treatment zones to stimulate collagen formation. It also eliminates dead skin cells, and promotes the growth of new, healthy skin.
Clear + Brilliant helps minimize the appearance of fine wrinkles and enlarged pores. It also addresses hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage and sunspots. Clear + Brilliant is a safe and effective laser treatment for individuals of all skin tones. It improves overall skin tone and texture with no downtime.
Say Goodbye to Hyperpigmentation and Acne Scars
Dealing with active acne and other skin conditions is already a burden. Unfortunately, even after they're completely healed they tend to leave unwanted 'gifts' like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Thankfully, you now know that there are many treatment options available to you. Get in touch with us today, and we'll create a tailored treatment plan.