Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Patient: How do i avoid darkened pigmented areas after laser treatment?
Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is an acquired form of hyperpigmentation that results from either injury or cutaneous inflamation, distributed over the region of causative inflammation.
Common causes include that of acne, accidental injury and burns.
Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation worsens with sun exposure or recurrence of inflammation. These pigments can be both superficial or deep within the skin.
Is there a way to treat PIH effectively?
The answer to it is to use a combination of treatments.
Steps To Resolving PIH
(1) Removal of triggers to inflammation
This can be as simple as putting a stop to scratching the affected area. Minimising inflammation to the area prevents the area from progression to more areas which can develop PIH.
(2) Sun protection and sun avoidance
Avoidance of excessive UV lights helps in preventing the production of more pigments. Regular use of susn block in recommended.
(3) Laser Therapy
A combination of both the Pigment Removal Laser and the R2 Glow Laser is crucial to target both pigments and underlying inflammation, reaching a optimum speed of improvement for the areas of PIH affected.
(4) Post laser care
Usage of skin lightening agents can be employed. The best choice will be the use of one that calms the inflammed areas down and decrease the production of pigments at the same time.
I recommend RAI Post Laser Intensive Recovery Serum.
** The diagnosis is always critical when evaluating any form of pigmentation in the skin, before subjecting it to any treatment. Make certain to arrive at a diagnosis with your doctor before commencing any form of treatment!
