Friday, February 23, 2007

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation refers to skin darkening caused by trauma to the skin such as constant friction, shaving, insect bites as well as wounds. For people of fitzpatrick skin type III and greater, the risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is greater than those with fairer skins. Skin darkening caused by trauma is usually pretty resistant to skin lightening. Often, pigment cells drop down into the dermis making the discoloration very difficult to get rid of. People with dark skins should always treat their skins gently and avoid very aggressive skin treatments. If they choose to go for aggressive skin peels or dermaabrasion, it is suggested that they begin using a skin lightening cream several weeks before and after the treatment to avoid further hyperpigmentation. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH usually responds well to a more synergistic approach than just one treatment. Combination treatment protocols for treating post inflammatory hyperpigmentation are detailed in the skin lightening report.