Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are two types of skin discoloration that can occur after an inflammatory skin condition. While they may appear similar at first glance, there are some distinct differences between the two.
Post-Inflammatory Erythema
Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) is a type of skin discoloration that occurs as a result of blood vessel damage in the skin. It appears as red or pink patches on the skin and is often seen after inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, or eczema. PIE occurs when the inflammatory response causes damage to the tiny blood vessels in the skin, leading to increased blood flow and resulting in a red or pink appearance.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a type of skin discoloration that occurs as a result of excess melanin production in the skin. It appears as dark brown or black patches on the skin and is also often seen after inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis. PIH occurs when the inflammatory response triggers the production of excess melanin in the skin, which leads to the formation of dark spots.
How Can You Tell Which Type You Have?
The easiest way to tell whether you have PIE or PIH is by looking at the color of the affected skin. PIE appears as red or pink patches on the skin, while PIH appears as dark brown or black patches. If you have recently had an inflammatory skin condition and notice discoloration, it is important to pay attention to the color of the affected skin and seek medical advice if you are unsure about the type of discoloration you have.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for PIE and PIH differ depending on the type of discoloration. Here are some options:
Post-Inflammatory Erythema Treatment
Topical Treatments: Topical treatments such as azelaic acid, niacinamide, or kojic acid can help reduce redness and improve skin tone.
To speed up the fading process and prevent the red marks from becoming dark spots, Clearly’s team of skin experts developed Lighten Up Redness Rescue Cream. The cutting-edge formula is packed with antioxidant-rich plant stem cells to calm redness, nourish your skin, and gently stimulate renewal. In fact, 97% of users noticed faster healing of acne symptoms with their first bottle.
Laser Treatment: Lasers such as pulsed dye laser (PDL) can be used to target the blood vessels in the skin and reduce redness.
Chemical Peels: Chemical peels containing glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid can help reduce redness and improve skin texture.
Sun Protection: Wearing sunscreen with a high SPF can help protect the skin from further damage and reduce redness.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Treatment
Topical Treatments: Topical treatments such as hydroquinone, retinoids, or vitamin C can help reduce the appearance of dark spots.
To reduce the appearance of your dark marks up to 4x faster, Dark Mark Defense Correction Gel can help. This potent gel was formulated by aestheticians and the top skin doctors to visibly fade dark marks and improve your skin tone. Apply it twice daily and use your sunscreen in the day to see results in just 8 weeks!
Chemical Peels: Chemical peels containing glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid can help reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion involves using a device to exfoliate the skin, which can help reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Sun Protection: Wearing sunscreen with a high SPF can help protect the skin from further damage and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
It is important to note that treatment options for both PIE and PIH may take some time to work, and some treatments may not be suitable for everyone.
How to Prevent Post-Inflammatory Discoloration
Be patient and let your skincare do its work.
Avoid picking at, popping, or squeezing your pimples as this can increase the risk of scarring. It’s also best to start treating your acne before it has a chance to get worse.
Of course, the best way to prevent acne scars is to prevent acne in the first place. This is why it is important to regularly flush out impurities from your pores so acne does not have a chance to form.
Clear Out Clarifying Lotion is our best-seller and an acne community favorite. Packed with retinol and azelaic acid, it is clinically proven to flush out congestion, eliminate oils, and restore your skin texture without irritating or drying out your skin. Try it today and see clearer, healthier skin after 1 bottle. If you don’t, you can get your money back!
If you have questions about your acne and acne scars, get in touch with us via Messenger chat or Instagram DM (@clearlybasics). We’re here to help!
Disclaimer: This article should not be interpreted as personal medical advice. For medical-related matters, please consult your dermatologist.
