Pigment deposited in response to an identifiable injury — a spot, a burn, friction, a procedure. It is the mark the inflammation left, not a pigment disorder in its own right.
Inflammatory mediators stimulate melanocytes; melanin is deposited in the epidermis, the dermis, or both. Dermal deposition takes far longer to resolve because there is no natural route out.
PIH follows something. If you can name the injury, it is probably PIH. Melasma has no preceding injury and a symmetrical pattern. Treating PIH aggressively can cause more PIH, which is the trap.
The original insult and its timing, epidermal versus dermal depth, Fitzpatrick type, and whether the causative inflammation is still active.
Controlling the underlying inflammation comes first — treating pigment while the cause is running produces a cycle. Gentle, non-thermal approaches are preferred in darker phototypes.
If the original condition — acne, dermatitis, friction — is still active, that is addressed before the pigment.
Pigment deposited in response to an identifiable injury — a spot, a burn, friction, a procedure. It is the mark the inflammation left, not a pigment disorder in its own right.
PIH follows something. If you can name the injury, it is probably PIH. Melasma has no preceding injury and a symmetrical pattern. Treating PIH aggressively can cause more PIH, which is the trap.
The original insult and its timing, epidermal versus dermal depth, Fitzpatrick type, and whether the causative inflammation is still active.
If the original condition — acne, dermatitis, friction — is still active, that is addressed before the pigment.
Every assessment is carried out personally by Dr Sin Yong, Medical Director. 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza.
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