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Post Inflammatory Hyper-pigmentation (PIH) - Treatment Options?

asked 1 year ago by ANNOYED_BY_PIH in Toronto, ON
Latest answer by David Hansen, MD
Question viewed 887 times
Tags: female, benzoyl peroxide, hyperpigmentation, options, PIH

my skin was destroyed by acne when I went I stopped using benzol peroxide for a period of 3 months. I went back on BP and my skin now only gets the odd zit BUT my skin looks disgusting from all of the PIH. I've had one microdermabrasion treatment and one chemical peel at 20% salicylic acid. Now I'm looking for something that will potentially expedite the healing process faster than either of these treatments. I'm white and have fair skin.

9 answers to Post Inflammatory Hyper-pigmentation (PIH) - Treatment Options?

+2

Red acne marks disappear quite well with a prescription cortisone cream.

From your photos, the red acne marks are very prominent and should respond quite well to a prescription cortsone lotion or cream such as Desowen which your dermatologist can prescribe.  Also a few 10-20% TCA peels will help with the dark acne marks. 
David Hansen, MD

Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
+2

Red or Brown Acne Scar Treatments

Hi PIH.  Sorry to hear about your situation, but glad the acne situation is under control.  For the kind of pigmented (colored) acne scars you are describing there are a couple options, but our choice of treatment usually depends on the color of the scars (red or brown). Caucasians like you generally get red acne scars after treatment.  These can be treated with chemical peels like you have tried, Microdermabrasion and skin care products - we like Glycolic acid or Retin A... more
Harold J. Kaplan, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Post Inflammatory Hyper-pigmentation (PIH) Treatment Options

I would suggest a series of Fraxel treatments, possibly 3 treatments performed 1 month apart. Your doctor might suggest a 4% bleaching gel between these treatments, as well as a retinoid. This could very well yield a good result. Also, if they're done often enough-- Beta-lift peels, Glycolic peels, or Jessner Peels can give great results.
David Colbert, MD

New York Dermatologic Surgeon
+2

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Topical agents that can help resolve PIH faster include hydroquinone, antioxidants, retinoids, low-potency topical corticosteroids, azelaic acid, among others.  You might want to start with an over-the-counter product containing 2% hydroquinone, for example Ambi fade cream.  Sometimes there is a delicate balance between improvement in the hyperpigmentation and irritation/redness of the skin that can lead to further pigmentation, so I would caution not to use any of these products... more
Bryan K. Chen, MD

San Diego Dermatologist
+2

The best treatment for post inflammatory acne lesions is time

Unfortunately post inflammatory change following acne is very common. Typically it resolves nicely with time so be patient. There are prescription strength bleaching creams that are available and you should discuss this with your dermatologist.
Steven Hacker, MD

West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Persistent erythema after acne

From your picture it appears you have persistent erythema rather than post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. You need to continue to treat your acne. Retinoids would be a good choice for you as it would speed up the resolution of the acne and also help the erythema go away faster. Chemical peels would also help. A combination of the above would be even better.
Dina D. Strachan, MD

New York Dermatologist
+1

Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation

Often overlooked, non-buffered glycolic acids can do a wonderful job.  Find a doctor who uses products with a pH below 2.3 and you will be pleased with the results!
Michelle R. Yagoda, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Topical retin-A plus hydroquinone may speed up resolution of post-inflammatory pigmentation after an acne outbreak

Topical retin-A plus hydroquinone may speed up resolution of post-inflammatory pigmentation after an acne outbreak. This can be performed while getting mild chemical peels.
Edward Lack, MD

Chicago Dermatologist
+1

Post inflammatory acne

Post inflammatory changes after acne or treatments can be treated with skin bleachng creams like hydroquinone. But it will take several weeks to settle down.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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