How To Treat Hyperpigmentation Around Mouth
Medical treatment – If you’re seeking permanent removal of skin discoloration around your mouth, a dermatologist may recommend one of the following options:
prescription-strength retinoids or hydroquinone azelaic acid to reduce discoloration and inflammation kojic acid for melasma and age spots laser therapy for dark spots chemical peels to help exfoliate the skin and reduce appearance of pigmentation
Some forms of discoloration around the mouth may fade with time or once you stop taking certain medications. Other causes like sunspots and melasma may be more chronic and require treatment from a dermatologist. You should also see a dermatologist if home remedies fail to decrease the appearance of discoloration.
switching medications, if recommended by a doctorwearing sunscreen every day containing iron oxide, which can prevent hyperpigmentation or melasma caused by visible light exposureavoiding tanning beds as well as peak sun hours (late morning through early afternoon)wearing a wide-brimmed hat to protect your faceaddressing diagnosed underlying nutritional deficiencies
Skin discoloration around the mouth is caused by excess melanin production in your skin. Hormonal changes, medications, and sun exposure are related to hyperpigmentation. Nutritional deficiencies, skin trauma, and other medical conditions may also cause skin discoloration.
Contents
- 1 How long does it take to get rid of hyperpigmentation around mouth?
- 2 Does vitamin C help with hyperpigmentation around mouth?
- 3 How do you get rid of dark pigmentation around your mouth naturally?
- 4 Can too much vitamin C cause hyperpigmentation?
- 5 How long does retinol take to fade hyperpigmentation?
- 6 What ordinary product helps with pigmentation around mouth?
- 7 How do I get rid of dark upper lip?
- 8 Is hyperpigmentation on face permanent?
How long does it take to get rid of hyperpigmentation around mouth?
Breakouts may lead to dark skin around the mouth – Hyperpigmentation is also caused by trauma to the skin formed from breakouts, stubborn acne, and burns. The skin around the mouth is sensitive, it may be dark and discoloured despite the wound healing. If not treated, the hyperpigmentation may take several months to fade.
Does vitamin C help with hyperpigmentation around mouth?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is used as a treatment modality in depigmentation of hyperpigmented spots on the skin and gingiva.
What causes blackness around the mouth?
Certain Medications – All kinds of chemicals and medications can alter the cells that produce melanin in your body. In some cases, these substances can damage melanin production, resulting in lighter areas of skin. When medications cause hyperpigmentation, they usually cause areas of your skin to turn darker. Some examples of medications that have been linked to hyperpigmentation include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Medications to treat high blood pressure including Micardis (telmisartan) and Capoten (captopril)
- Anticonvulsants likeTegretol (carbamazepine) and Lamictal (lamotrigine)
- Antimalarial drugs like hydroxychloroquine
- Antibiotics like tetracycline and minocycline or doxycycline
- Antineoplastic drugs that treat things like cancer, including Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), ifosfamide, and thiotepa
- Psychoactive medications like chlorpromazine and tricyclic antidepressants
- Zocor (simvastatin)
- Zyloprim (allopurinol)
- Amiodarone
- Mucolytic medications
- Heavy metals like silver, gold, and iron
Does retinol reduce hyperpigmentation around mouth?
● Medical treatment –
Prescription topical creams with retinoids and hydroquinone can reduce pigmentation around the mouth. Azelaic acid formulations in serum and creams can help inflammation and reduce dark spots. Kojic acid creams, when applied at night, are beneficial in lessening dark patches. There are several laser therapy options for treating hyperpigmentation. Chemical peels like glycolic acid, mandelic acid, and salicylic acid help exfoliate to even out skin pigmentation.
How do you get rid of dark pigmentation around your mouth naturally?
Melasma Around Mouth: How to Remove Blackness Around Mouth Naturally? – skincare
Table of Contents
Melasma is a skin condition in which brown or greyish brown patches appear on the face. It results from the excessive generation of melanin in the skin, which is called hyperpigmentation, leading to the development of dark patches on the skin. It is also associated with family history, post-pregnancy issues, and excessive exposure to the sun.
Dark skin around the mouth can result from hormonal imbalance. The dark patches may go away when hormonal balance is restored. Sun exposure is a common, The skin gets damaged due to the harsh UV rays of the sun, leading to dark patches. Lack of protective gear against the sun causes melasma on the skin that is most exposed to sunlight, which is most often the face. Taking contraceptives or hormone replacement therapies can cause melasma around the mouth. When these medicines are discontinued, the darkened areas of the skin return to their original colour. Melasma can occur due to hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy. Melasma that occurs during pregnancy is called ‘mask of pregnancy’ and it may or may not go after this phase. Deficiencies of vitamins B12 and D can lead to melasma. Melasma around the mouth is more common in women than men. People with a darker skin tone are more commonly affected by melasma. Those with a brownish or brown skin tone are more likely to be affected by melasma around the mouth than people with very light or very dark skin tones.
- A face pack with oatmeal, tomato pulp, and olive oil as ingredients leads to exfoliation and brightening of the skin. An excellent natural remedy for melasma around the mouth is to rub a raw potato on the darkened areas. Potatoes act like a bleaching agent, thus improving the appearance of the skin. Mix gram flour, turmeric powder and yogurt and apply the paste on the dark areas around the mouth.
- This is one of the best natural remedies for melasma around the mouth A mixture of aloe vera gel and coffee powder works effectively in reducing skin pigmentation.
- Apply this paste on the affected areas and see the difference.
- Lemon juice is a highly effective melasma home remedy.
- Mix it with honey, apply on the face and leave overnight, or apply a mixture of grated cucumber and lemon juice as a face pack.
Rubbing a lemon slice on the dark patches of the skin also works well. Blend raw papaya, add some rose water to it, and apply it as a face mask. The vitamins A and C in papaya serve to lighten the dark patches, thus working as a home remedy for melasma around the mouth. Mix raw rice flour, wheat flour, and gram flour add milk and apply it like a face mask. This mixture works as an excellent home remedy for melasma around the mouth. Applying warm mustard oil on the dark skin area around the mouth is another good remedy for melasma, specifically when the dark patches are a result of a burn or injury to the skin around the mouth Exfoliation works best to reduce the appearance of dark patches around the mouth, as it helps remove the dead skin cells, which lightens the skin; however, it does not reduce the pigmentation. Using sunscreen on the face and wearing a protective cap or scarf and sunglasses are a must when going outdoors. This prevents the skin from sun damage, thus reducing the possibility of melasma.
You may be able to remove blackness around the mouth naturally, using these home remedies; however, some home remedies can cause irritation to people with sensitive skin. It is always better to consult a dermatologist if you observe any changes to your skin.
- To get the best treatment for melasma around the mouth and other skin conditions, one of the leading skin clinics in Pune is,
- Approach their team of expert dermatologists and get the correct diagnosis and treatment for your skin condition.
- Their reliable advice will help you get rid of pigmentation and attain healthy and glowing skin.
For treating your skin condition, feel free to get in touch with one of our best, You can also call on to book an appointment at one of our skin clinics near you. : Melasma Around Mouth: How to Remove Blackness Around Mouth Naturally? – skincare
Can too much vitamin C cause hyperpigmentation?
Does Vitamin C really darken my skin? – No, it does not. It may stain your skin but it cannot darken your skin. It is important to know the difference between staining and darkening the skin. Staining is where the product reacts with your dead skin cells and leads to a change in the color of those dead cells.
- This means that once those dead cells are washed off, the stain will be gone too.
- While darkening your skin, your skin is damaged due to which your skin cells produce melanin to protect you from more damage in that area.
- Getting rid of darkening takes a lot of time.
- In the absence of SPF, your skin cells can be damaged by sun rays and lead to melanin production as a natural defence response by your skin.
So to prevent the darkening of the skin, it is necessary to wear SPF after Vitamin C. Did we repeat ourselves? That’s fine as long as you’ve grasped the importance of SPF!
Can darkness around mouth go away?
Trauma to the skin – If you had a serious injury, acne breakout, burn, or infection around your mouth, it’s possible you may develop hyperpigmentation in brown or black spots after the skin has healed. Also called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the associated discoloration usually fades after several months.
How long does retinol take to fade hyperpigmentation?
How long does it take retinol to work? – Retinol starts to work in your cells right away, but it will take several weeks before you see an improvement in the look and feel of your skin. In fact, your skin condition may look worse at first as you adjust to the new regimen.
Is vitamin C or retinol better for hyperpigmentation?
So the question remains: Should I use vitamin C or retinol? – Like so many other questions in life, the answer is: It depends. The choice should come down to what you’re looking to do for your skin. While vitamin C is most notable for helping to brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, retinol is typically considered best-in-class for wrinkles and fine lines. Jacki Marzano is SoCal-based storyteller and head copywriter at Murad Skincare. She’s shaped the voice of some of the most recognized beauty brands in the business, has a penchant for sharing homemade cookies, and believes SPF is the secret to getting carded well into your 40s.
What ordinary product helps with pigmentation around mouth?
Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA is a water-based serum specifically designed to target uneven skin tone and visibly improve pigmentation. It combines a high concentration of purified alpha arbutin, a well-known skin-brightening ingredient, with hyaluronic acid.
Is hyperpigmentation around mouth normal?
Hyperpigmentation is something that many people will experience throughout their life, and the area around the mouth is particularly prone to this condition. Patches of skin can become noticeably darker when an excess of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour, is produced and deposited in these areas.
Which vitamin deficiency causes pigmentation on face?
Hyperpigmentation as a Primary Symptom of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A Case Report Monitoring Editor: Alexander Muacevic and John R Adler 1 Internal Medicine, Ziauddin University, Karachi, PAK Find articles by 2 School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA Find articles by 3 Internal Medicine, Ramaiah Medical College, Bangaluru, IND Find articles by 4 College of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, PSE Find articles by 5 Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, USA Find articles by 6 Internal Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, IRQ Find articles by 7 Acute Medicine, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, Burton, GBR Find articles by 8 Internal Medicine, Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore, PAK Find articles by © 2022, Jangda et al.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. The presentation of vitamin B12 deficiency varies from being asymptomatic to affecting multiple organ systems.
In addition, several systemic diseases can be associated with generalized weakness and hyperpigmentation. However, vitamin B12 deficiency rarely presents with hyperpigmentation as an initial symptom. We present a rare case of a 22-year-old college student who presented with hyperpigmentation as the only physical manifestation of early vitamin B12 deficiency.
- This case underlines the need to rule out vitamin B12 deficiency when clinicians encounter hyperpigmentation as a solo presentation and also emphasizes the significance of early treatment in preventing the irreversible neurological manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Eywords: cutaneous manifestation of vitamin b12 deficiency, adisonian mimick, vitamin b12 deficiency symptoms, cutaneous hyperpigmentation, hyperpigmentation The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes,
However, the most common dermatological manifestation is hyperpigmentation, which often occurs in combination with systemic findings, including macrocytic anemia, pancytopenia, and subacute combined degeneration of the cord (SCD), When dermatological features occur in the dissociation of systemic findings, the deficiency of vitamin B12 can be overlooked.
- As a result, such cases are rarely reported,
- A 22-year-old male student presented with a four-month history of the progressive development of hyperpigmentation on his knuckles.
- At first, he thought sun exposure was the primary cause, so he started wearing gloves during the day to prevent any exposure.
Nevertheless, his hyperpigmentation gradually worsened with time, involving his knuckles, dorsal aspect of interphalangeal joints, distal phalanges, and the foot (dorsal surface of interphalangeal joints). His fingernails and the palmar surfaces of his hands and feet were spared.
- He denied the development of any rash or skin allergy before the onset of hyperpigmentation.
- Apart from hyperpigmentation being his only primary presentation, no other systemic complaints were present in the patient.
- His previous medical and medication history was unremarkable.
- He had never undergone any surgery and had never been on a restricted diet.
His BMI was 20, and his weight had been stable over the past 12 months. On examination, vital signs were stable with no pallor. However, considerable hyperpigmentation in the form of brownish discoloration was noted, which was more marked on the dorsal aspect of the hands (Figure ).
There were no signs of hyperpigmentation in the oral cavity. A detailed systemic examination revealed no positive findings, including unremarkable neurological assessments. Based on the physical findings, the suspicion of autoimmune disorders was ruled out. Investigations were carried out primarily to rule out the systemic causes of hyperpigmentation.
Investigations included complete blood counts, serum electrolytes, 8 a.m. plasma cortisol levels, vitamin B12, and serum folic acid levels. His morning cortisol and serum electrolytes were within normal ranges, excluding adrenal insufficiency (Table ).
Lab parameters | Value (normal range) |
Hb (g/dL) | 13.6 (13.5-17.5) |
MCV (fl) | 96.8 (80-100) |
WBC (X10 9 /l) | 7.2 (4.5-11) |
Platelets (X10 3 /ul) | 300 (150-400) |
Serum Vitamin B12 (pg/mL) | 125 (210-911) |
Serum Iron (μg/dL) | 110 (67-175) |
Serum Folic Acid (ng/mL) | 6.8 (2-20) |
Serum Cortisol 8 a.m (μg/dL) | 13.8 (5-23) |
Na (mEq/L) | 141 (136-146) |
K (mEq/L) | 3.8 (3.5-5) |
Cl (mmol/L) | 96 (95-105) |
His serum vitamin B12 levels were 125 pg/mL (210-911 pg/mL). All other investigations were normal. He was diagnosed with one of the rare early manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency, as all other causes for hyperpigmentation were ruled out other than low serum vitamin B12 levels. Treatment with intramuscular injection of vitamin B12 was initiated (1000 mcg IM twice a week for a month, plus 100 mcg orally per day). Further investigations were carried out to rule out pernicious anemia. Moreover, improvement was noticed within two weeks of initiating treatment (Figure ). Post-treatment improvement. At his second follow-up after three weeks, his vitamin B12 levels were over 300 pg/mL, and his hyperpigmentation was completely resolved. The antibody titer for pernicious anemia was also unremarkable, making a lack of vitamin B12 in the diet the sole cause of this occurrence. However, the oral dose of vitamin B12 of 100 mcg was continued for a month, and the patient was advised to increase their dietary intake of vitamin B12 from animal or fortified foods. Vitamin B12 plays an integral role in the synthesis of DNA; its deficiency results in multisystem complications, Plasma concentration below 200 pg/ml (148 pmol/L) is considered deficient. In the general population, the prevalence ranges from 3-5% to 5-20% among people aged >65 years, The deficiency affects all age groups and causes a range of conditions, most commonly affecting the hematological and neurological systems, The neurological complications include SCD, peripheral neuropathy, and psychiatric changes, Many mucocutaneous findings, including hair and nail changes and hyperpigmentation, especially of the hands and feet, are associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, Reversible skin and mucosal hyperpigmentation are the most commonly found skin manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency, However, most cases present alongside systemic findings, such as malabsorption, anemia, pancytopenia, and variable neuropsychiatric problems, Interestingly Dr. Bramwell Cook defined a syndrome in late 1944 related to vitamin B12 deficiency, entailing hyperpigmentation, glossitis, and macrocytic megaloblastic anemia as its primary features. It has been observed that up to 1 in 5 patients with a deficient B12 level may have cutaneous hyperpigmentation, Rarely, as observed in this patient, has skin hyperpigmentation been reported as the only symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency, Other more common causes of hyperpigmentation include systemic causes, such as Addison disease, hyperthyroidism, hemochromatosis, and certain primary skin disorders. Protein-energy malnutrition, zinc deficiency, and pellagra can also cause hyperpigmentation, In one study, Baker SJ et al. observed that 21 patients who presented with other primary findings of vitamin B12 deficiency also had hyperpigmentation, Moreover, Aaron S et al. found that 41% (26 out of 63) of his patients presented with cutaneous changes as a primary symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency. While 52% of these 26 patients (22% of the total) presented with mucosal changes, glossitis was specifically seen in 31% (19 out of 63), hyperpigmentation of the skin in 19% (12 out of 63), hair changes in 9% (6 out of 63), angular stomatitis in 8% (5 out of 63), and lastly, vitiligo was seen in only 3% (2 out of 63), Therefore, regardless of the presence of neurological symptoms, SCD should be suspected in patients with skin hyperpigmentation, as the neurological manifestations can be a late finding, Skin hyperpigmentation in B12 deficiency was most commonly observed on the hands and feet (dorsal aspect), with the knuckles being the most prominent site. The darkening of sole and palmar creases, interphalangeal joints, and terminal phalanges was also observed, It remains questionable whether the development of hyperpigmentation is responsive to specific serum vitamin B12 levels, The pathophysiologic mechanism of hyperpigmentation involves increased melanin synthesis and the inadequate transfer of the pigment from the melanocytes to the nearby keratinocytes. Increased melanin synthesis occurs with the tyrosinase enzyme’s raised activity, The increase in melanin synthesis is considered the leading mechanism in lieu of inadequate melanin transfer, Electron microscopy showed the presence of extensive megaloblastic keratinocytes encircling the melanosomes containing melanocytes. The treatment consists of oral and/or parenteral vitamin B12 depending on the severity of symptoms and the level of deficiency. When hyperpigmentation is the primary presentation, oral treatment is preferred over parenteral treatment. The resolution period of the hyperpigmentation tends to vary from 6 to 12 weeks after the treatment, Recurrence of hyperpigmentation in our patient was not observed at a one-year follow-up. A thorough systemic examination should be performed in patients presenting with hyperpigmentation of the skin. It should be investigated for a deficiency of vitamin B12, besides ruling out the other common causes. Alongside providing adequate treatment, the patient should be followed up for a few weeks to examine for the resolution and screen for neurological manifestations, as there can be a late manifestation in some patients. The content published in Cureus is the result of clinical experience and/or research by independent individuals or organizations. Cureus is not responsible for the scientific accuracy or reliability of data or conclusions published herein. All content published within Cureus is intended only for educational, research and reference purposes. Additionally, articles published within Cureus should not be deemed a suitable substitute for the advice of a qualified health care professional. Do not disregard or avoid professional medical advice due to content published within Cureus. The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study 1. Cutaneous lesions and vitamin B12 deficiency: an often-forgotten link. Kannan R, Ng MJ., Can Fam Physician.2008; 54 :529–532.2. Skin hyperpigmentation as the presenting symptom of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. Alhazmi A, Almalki A, Ghazala S. Case Rep Neurol Med.2017; 2017 :7140908.3. Knuckle pigmentation as an early cutaneous sign of vitamin B12 deficiency: a case report. Srivastava A, Choudhary S. JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc.2020; 58 :798–800.4. Vitamin B12 deficiency presenting with hyperpigmentation and pancytopenia. Rao VR. J Family Med Prim Care.2018; 7 :642–644.5. Reversible hyperpigmentation in vitamin B12 deficiency: an Addisonian mimic in clinical practice. Awindaogo RA, Ekem I, Awuku NA, et al. PAMJ Clin Med.2020; 4 :109.6. Vitamin B12 deficiency induces imbalance in melanocytes homeostasis-a cellular basis of hypocobalaminemia pigmentary manifestations. Rzepka Z, Respondek M, Rok J, Beberok A, Ó Proinsias K, Gryko D, Wrześniok D. Int J Mol Sci.2018; 19 7. A vitamin B deficiency syndrome allied to sprue. Cook AB. Ind Med Gaz.1944; 79 :429–437.8. Generalised hyperpigmentation in vitamin B12 deficiency. Santra G, Paul R, Ghosh SK, Chakraborty D, Das S, Pradhan S, Das A. J Assoc Physicians India.2014; 62 :714–716.9. Hyperpigmentation of skin. A sign of vitamin-B12 deficiency. Baker SJ, Ignatius M, Johnson S, Vaish SK. Br Med J.1963; 1 :1713–1715.10. Clinical and laboratory features and response to treatment in patients presenting with vitamin B12 deficiency-related neurological syndromes. Aaron S, Kumar S, Vijayan J, Jacob J, Alexander M, Gnanamuthu C. Neurol India.2005; 53 :55–58.11. Hyperpigmentation with vitamin B12 deficiency in an adolescent girl. Hasan SH, Samad R, Das JC, Ara F. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg.2021; 39 :62–67. : Hyperpigmentation as a Primary Symptom of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A Case Report
How do I get rid of dark upper lip?
Treating Lip Discolorations and Marks Photo: Jonathan Skow Q: I have a faint, dark discoloration on my upper lip; what is it, and how can I get rid of it? A: My six least favorite words from any doctor: “I don’t know what this is.” Lucky for you, Deborah Sarnoff, MD, clinical associate professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center, has some ideas about what might be causing your problem.
- It may be hormone related: Circulating estrogen, either your own or from estrogen replacement therapy, when combined with sun exposure, can cause the kind of discoloration you describe.
- Or it may be caused by inflammation on your upper lip if you’ve had acne or a hair removal treatment (like waxing or tweezing), which can cause darkening of the skin when exposed to sunlight, especially in people with darker skin.
Bottom line: A cream containing hydroquinone or kojic acid (such as La Roche-Posay Mela-D Dark Spots, $45) along with a topical retinoid (like prescription Renova) and mild over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can fade the discoloration after about six weeks of nightly use.
Why does my upper lip look dark?
Key Takeaways –
Spending time outdoors in the sun can put you at risk of developing a “melasma mustache.”A melasma mustache is a form of melasma—a skin condition that causes brownish patches on sun-exposed areas, including on the face and upper lip. Changes in hormones, sun exposure, medications and genetics can cause the condition.
If you’re spending any time outdoors this summer, there’s a high chance you’re being exposed to the sun. Without proper protection like wearing sunscreen, you can put yourself at risk for sunburn, sun damage, premature aging, skin cancer, or even a melasma mustache.
- A melasma mustache—also known as sun mustache—is a pigmentary skin condition that causes dark brown or grayish-brown patches on the facial skin, most frequently found on the upper lip.
- The condition tends to worsen during the summer months due to increased and frequent sun or heat exposure, Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Art of Skin MD, told Verywell.
Even though melasma isn’t a health threat or a sign of something like skin cancer, it can still be frustrating to live with. Dermatologists share how sun mustaches are caused, tips on how to prevent them, and potential treatments to get rid of them.
Is hyperpigmentation on face permanent?
What is Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation? Medically Reviewed by on November 02, 2021 Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) happens when your skin makes extra melanin after it has been irritated or injured. Melanin is a natural pigment that is responsible for the color in our hair, skin, and eyes.
- PIH can affect either your epidermis, which is your skin’s surface level, or your dermis — a deep layer of your skin.
- When your skin cells react to damage or irritation by making extra melanin, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the result.
- This skin condition shows up as tan, brown, dark brown, or even blue-gray patches and spots on your skin.
The most common causes are acne, eczema, and, but any type of trauma or irritation to the skin has the potential to cause PIH. Other commonly reported post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation causes include:
InfectionsBug bitesBurnsRazor bumpsAllergic reactions
Some medical or cosmetic procedures can also cause PIH. Laser or light therapies, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, and chemical peels have been linked to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can happen to both men and women.
Skin lighteners such as hydroquinone and azelaic acid to help reduce melanin production and steroids to increase skin cell turnoverChemical peels like salicylic or glycolic acid to remove skin cells with extra melanin
Deeper dermoid PIH is more difficult to remove and can be treated with stronger chemical peels or certain types of laser therapy. Some methods of treating PIH have the potential to cause irritation and even make the problem worse, so it’s important to be mindful of your skin’s condition.
There is no quick fix for PIH. Even with treatment, it can take a long time for your skin to return to normal. Epidermal PIH can last for 6 to 12 months or more. Dermal PIH can take years to fade, and spots may be permanent. There is also a chance new spots can show up, or that your PIH will come back again after fading.
Treatment for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation often involves more than one method. Your doctor might suggest a combination therapy that includes a topical steroid, a retinoid, and hydroquinone. Living with PIH doesn’t cause any serious physical health problems on its own, but it can affect your,
Choose makeup that looks natural and matches your skin tone.Know if your skin is dry, normal, or oily, and choose products for your skin type.Find a product that does not feel greasy and is non-comedogenic — meaning it won’t clog your pores. Look for makeup that is waterproof or advertises long-lasting coverage. Pick a product that is easy to apply every day. Use color correctors under foundation or concealer for better coverage.
The sun’s UV rays can have a big impact on PIH. Proper UV protection is important to prevent PIH skin spots from darkening and new ones from forming. Avoid the sun when possible, wear protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 every day. © 2020 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. : What is Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation?
Is hyperpigmentation permanent?
Clinical Manifestations – PIH typically manifests as macules or patches in the same distribution as the initial inflammatory process. The location of the excess pigment within the layers of the skin will determine its coloration. Epidermal hypermelanosis will appear tan, brown, or dark brown and may take months to years to resolve without treatment.1 Hyperpigmentation within the dermis has a blue-gray appearance and may either be permanent or resolve over a protracted period of time if left untreated.1, 15 The intensity of PIH may also correlate with higher skin phototypes ( Figures 4A and 4B ), although studies are needed to confirm this finding. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in Fitzpatrick skin type IV (A) versus VI (B). Note the greater intensity of pigmentation in darker skin.