A focused review on acne-induced and aesthetic procedure-related postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in Asians.

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common consequence following cutaneous inflammation in dark-skinned individuals with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes (SPTs) III-VI. The exact pathogenesis of this condition is unknown, but is believed to be an integral part of the normal response of the skin to inflammatory stimuli. PIH can last from months to years and may significantly impair quality of life of affected individuals. The primary treatment of PIH is prevention and treatment of the underlying inflammatory condition. In addition to prevention, there are a variety of medication and procedures used to treat PIH. Although topical skin-depigmenting agents remain the treatment of choice for PIH, lasers and light sources may be an effective adjunctive therapy or alternative for treatment failures. When treating PIH, any treatment options selected should be optimized and utilized carefully because the treatments itself may worsen the PIH.