AskDocDoc
/
/
/
post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 31M : 32S
background image
Click Here
background image
Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #18748
159 days ago
204

post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - #18748

Myra

I am really concerned about this skin issue I've been dealing with for the last several months. After a bad bout of eczema, I ended up with these dark spots on my arms and legs. My doctor called it post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but I can't help but worry if it’ll ever go away. I thought it would fade with time, but the spots just seem to linger. I have tried some over-the-counter creams, but they didn’t really make a dent. I’ve heard things like sunscreen can help with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — is that true? I mean, I've always used it, but maybe not as diligently as I should. And I feel like I don’t really know how long post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation lasts or if there’s anything else I can do to speed up the fading process. Am I the only one who feels like it's taking forever? I've seen some before and after pics on the internet and it makes me super frustrated when mine don't look like that after months. Should I consider seeing a dermatologist or is this something that can be handled at home? Just feeling lost here with this whole post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation journey. What do you guys recommend?

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can indeed be a frustrating condition, and it’s not unusual for these dark spots to linger for several months or even years. While it might feel like you’re the only one experiencing this, rest assured it’s pretty common, especially following skin inflammation like eczema. Now, let’s address the steps that could help manage and potentially speed up the fading process. First, yes, diligent use of sunscreen is crucial. UV exposure can worsen pigmentation issues, so applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days, could help prevent further darkening. You should apply it 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours if you’re staying outside longer. For the existing spots, topical treatments might offer some help. Look for creams containing ingredients like hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, or glycolic acid. These can be available over-the-counter or in higher strengths via prescription, so discussing with your doctor could be beneficial. Another option could be products containing niacinamide, which is known to help with discoloration. Patience is key with these treatments; most take several weeks to show visible improvement. It might also be a good idea to avoid further irritation that could cause PIH. This means steering clear of harsh scrubs or aggressive treatments that could trigger more inflammation. Definitely consider seeing a dermatologist if over-the-counter treatments aren’t making a dent, as they can offer additional options like chemical peels or laser therapy, which are more potent but safe under professional guidance. Don’t lose hope—while it can feel like a long journey, many people do see improvement over time with consistent care and protective measures.

20186 answered questions
90% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


papaya for oily skin
how to use apple cider vinegar on face
ice cube for face side effects
how to get rid of redness of pimples
skin whitening treatment at home
papaya face pack
home remedies for black spots on face
How to reduce the pimples on face and dandruff on hair
How to remove black spots from body
red pimples on forehead
how many minutes aloe vera on face
how to remove waxing scars naturally
how to use aloe vera gel on face
how to remove pimple in one day
what is the reason of hair fall
best cream for acne and pimples by dermatologist
which face cream is best for skin whitening
how can i get rid of pimples
alovera cream
pure skin whitening cream side effects
best black spot removal cream
baking soda for dark neck
skin pimple face
How to get a proper and healthyskin
black dots in skin
why do i get hormonal acne on one side of my face
How to clear acne and facial hairs
pimples black marks removal cream
remedy for black spots on the face
how to get rid of acne spots
how to glow face naturally for male
reason for dark neck
skin diseases home remedies
small dark spots on face
can we put curd on hair
how to cure pimple
I had few acne on face specific on forehead . Which tend to be recurring
tips to get clear skin
how to get rid of black spots
How would I treat my face acne?
neck black remove home remedies
homemade hair mask for hair growth and thickness at home
different between cleanser and face wash
nature's face pack
does curd reduce dandruff
skin care consultation
how to get clear skin on body
face pack for oily skin and pimples
how to remove acne from face naturally
What to do for an itchy scalp that hasn't improved with lice shampoo?
bleaching skin
is serum good for hair
home remedies for dark skin
How to reduce pimples and acne on face
How to clear skin and frizzfree hair
applying green tea on face
can we apply henna on oily hair
skin whitening cream side effects
aloe vera and lemon for face overnight
how much time acne scars take to fade
skin black patch
long term side effects of face waxing
how to make cheeks red naturally
lemon for pigmentation
how to remove pimples for men
how to reduce melanin permanently
cleanser or face wash which is best
age spots pictures
how to get rid of a pimple fast
cleanser or face wash which is better
how to use curd for hair growth
face mask for pimples homemade
home remedies for white skin
how to get a clear and glowing skin
how to remove hair on hands naturally
benefits of drinking raisin water for skin
Hairfall due to vitamin deficiency
How to naturally remove dark spots on face?
how to get clear and poreless skin and thick hairs
white vinegar uses for skin
can we apply lemon on hair
how to glow face naturally at home
how to get rid of dark spots on legs
how to make glowing face at home
remedies to remove facial hair
get rid of hyperpigmentation
best men's face cream for pimples and dark spots
How to stop itching palm and soles of fungal infection
what does hair serum do
How I can get rid off from Lichen Planus Pigmentosus skin disease?
best cream for blemishes and pigmentation
pimple remover home remedy
night face pack for skin whitening
hot oil treatment for hair
ice treatment for face benefits
dry face skin home remedies
dark brown patches on skin
face whitening face pack
pimples black spot remove
acne marks removal cream for oily skin