A new article published in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery discussed that post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is an acquired hypermelanosis that can result from inflammatory dermatologic disease, trauma or may be iatrogenic. This condition disproportionately affects individuals with colored skin, and it can place a significant psychosocial burden on affected patients. 

This review observed that prophylaxis strategies to prevent PIH vary greatly in clinical practice, likely due to the absence of an evidence-based consensus. Published approaches to PIH prophylaxis include pretreatment and post-treatment strategies. Pretreatment modalities comprise – topical alpha hydroxy acids, retinoids, hydroquinone and brimonidine, whereas post-treatment modalities are – photo protection, corticosteroids and tranexamic acid. 

Source: Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. Jan-Feb 2021;25(1):77-86. doi: 10.1177/1203475420957633.