5th June 2025

Post-inflammatory Hypopigmentation

Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation manifests as irregularly defined pale patches on the skin after inflammation has occurred. Dark skin individuals are especially prone to developing this.  Typically, the surface of the skin is normal, but scaling can be seen if the underlying cause is scaly (such as eczema or psoriasis).

Causes 

Common causes include thermal burns, psoriasis, discoid eczema, lichen planus, cutaneous lupus, laser therapy and cutaneous lupus.

Investigation 

Usually post-inflammatory hypopigmentation is diagnosed clinically by examining the lesion. Skin scraping for mycology or biopsy for histopathology may be needed to diagnose when there is uncertainty. Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation can also be diagnosed via non-invasive methods such as laser scanning microscopy.

Treatment 

Most cases improve spontaneously when the underlying condition has been treated; however this can take months. Also affected areas can be treated with sun exposure unless scarring has occurred. Another option is using prescription camouflage cream that lasts longer and is more effective than normal make-up from drugstores.