Common "Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation" queries answered by top doctors | iCliniq

Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is the discoloration of the skin after inflammation or injury. The skin can turn pink, brown, red, or black. This discoloration results from excess melanin production due to the way the skin heals after an injury.

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All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical doctors, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top doctors from iCliniq.

Please suggest a solution for blackness in the upper lip.

Query: Hello doctor, When I was young I used to lick my lips a lot causing a red line above my lips and under my nose. One day I went out and came back with a permanent blackness above my upper lip (not my skin color). It looks like I have a mustache. Please help.  Read Full »


Dr. Sidharth Sonthalia

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Well, we would be able to help you the most if you are able to provide us with a clinical photograph of your condition. Based on the brief history you have provided to us, you seem to be suffering from lip-lick cheilitis induced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I...  Read Full »

Why do I have dark spots all over my body?

Query: Hi doctor, I am a 31-year-old female with three kids. When I was in my teenage, I developed red bumps which later on turned into acne. Most of the time I scratch them as they are very itchy and the same with insect bites. I have a lot of dark spots now all over my face, buttocks, back of my thighs, ...  Read Full »


Dr. Atishay Bukharia

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Please answer me the following questions to give more accurate treatment. How long has it been there? Is itching still there? Can you mention any exaggerating and relieving factors? Any area spared? How long have you been breastfeeding?   Read Full »

I have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Please help.

Query: Hello doctor, I had erythema multiforme because of drug allergy and currently left with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. How long will it last and how and what should I do or apply to let the pigments fade? I have my liver, biopsy test, and I need someone to explain the results.  Read Full »


Dr. Shanza Ikram

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have gone through the pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Your lesions are not only hyperpigmented (which shows the healing phase) but they are still erythematous (which shows the active phase). So, right now you should not worry about the pigme...  Read Full »

I have darkened skin due to steroid use. Please help.

Query: Hi doctor, I have eczema and over the years doctors have provided me a steroid ointment which I have been using. The side effects were darkening of the skin. Wondering if there is a solution since now my skin has become really dark on my face and neck. Also, I have hyper-pigmentation all over my che...  Read Full »


Dr. Sushil Kakkar

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have noted your concern and I have viewed the images (attachment removed to protect patient identity).You seem to have acne along with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from previously healed acne. Acne is a well-known side effect of steroid creams. So perh...  Read Full »

I have dark scars around a healed wound under my left eye. What could that be?

Query: Hello doctor, I am a 18-year-old male. I have dark scars around a healed wound under my left eye. What could be the reason? Kindly help. Thank you.   Read Full »


Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. As per the history and image provided (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), it looks like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). It appears following a wound that causes inflammation and later heals to form dark spots. It usually fades with time...  Read Full »

Why does my face appear worse in direct sunlight?

Query: Hello doctor, I have had mild acne for years and it seems to be under control now with an occasional break out here and there, mainly just trying to fix scarring. I am a 26-year-old male. Currently, I am using the Menscience brand facial wash, Mirco scrub, and rosewater toner. I lie to keep things s...  Read Full »


Dr. Shaunak Patel

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I am glad you asked this. Could you also upload a photo of your face both indoors as well as in natural daylight? I need to have a close-up view to pinpoint the diagnosis and suggest a remedy. I appreciate your concern.   Read Full »

What can be done for dark spots due to pimple?

Query: Hello doctor,I had a pimple that was huge and it busted with puss and left a dark spot on my face. What should I do to heal and get rid of the dark spots?  Read Full »


Dr. Ashwini. V. Swamy

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Your history is suggestive of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. To prevent further darkening, make sure you use good non-comedogenic sunscreen with SPF 50. To improve the dark spot, you can use topical Kojic acid cream, apply to the dark spot at night.   Read Full »

I have dark blotches on my neck and under my ears which are slightly sensitive and itchy and do not respond to Benzoyl peroxide face cream. Why?

Query: Hello doctor,I have dark blotches on my neck and under my ears that never seem to go away. Sometimes, they are slightly sensitive or itchy. The cause does not seem to be related to any fabric or detergent. I use Benzoyl peroxide face cream but that does not seem to help. It has been probably present...  Read Full »


Dr. Suvash Sahu

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. We are elated to have you onboard at icliniq. I have seen your query and I can understand your concern. From the picture that you have shared (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity), it seems that you have melasma or PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpi...  Read Full »

Why do I get acne only in my T-zone?

Query: Hello doctor, I have been struggling with acne in my T-zone for all of my teen years. I have currently set down a skincare routine that is doing wonders for the tiny little textured spots on my skin but not so much on bright red and dark acne scars. I have done some research on what it was, and I t...  Read Full »


Dr. Shama Naaz

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Acne vulgaris is a common problem in your age group. Acne flares occur due to stress, hormonal imbalance, oily skin, and diet. It is good to know that you are following a skincare routine, but make sure they do not contain any harsh chemicals, parabens, fragrances, ster...  Read Full »

I have acne with whiteheads, inflammation, and redness on my face. How do I treat it?

Query: Hi doctor, I have acne with a white head, and some develop into pustules. Also, I had inflammation and redness on my face. I was diagnosed with acne vulgaris last year. I went through the treatment for a year. Still, when I did not observe much improvement, I quit seeking treatment and used acne gua...  Read Full »


Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. Going through the history provided from your end, it is acne vulgaris with post-inflammatory pigmentation. It is essential to understand the various causes of acne and the triggers that lead to the formation of acne. Acne vulgaris is caused d...  Read Full »

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