Dermatologists deal with two basic concepts: the control of symptoms and the eradication of skin colour changes brought on by inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Elimination
Hyperpigmented skin cells are removed using laser therapy, intense pulsed light, or chemical peels so that new skin can grow without becoming hyperpigmented. It can be costly, intrusive, and aggravate the situation. Inflammation, discomfort, and itchiness are possible adverse effects.
Chemical peels cause the skin to blister and finally peel off, revealing non-hyperpigmented skin underneath. Chemical peels, like AHA, are used by doctors.
To remove layers of skin, the dermatologist administers an acidic solution (glycolic acid (AHA)) to the afflicted areas. Vesicles initially develop, but subsequently, expose “new” skin underlying that is spotless.
As they use focused lasers to address the afflicted areas, laser therapy and pulsed light treatments are typically more precise than chemical peels. Depending on the severity of the hyperpigmentation, the skin can either be treated at the dermis or the epidermis level.
Regulation
Prescription medications or dermo-cosmetics are used to control melanin production, even out skin tone, and lighten the darkest patches so they match the skin’s typical pigmentation.
For post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, several topical medicinal or skin care solutions often include one or more of the following ingredients:
The use of hydroquinone, a potent skin-whitening agent, in cosmetics is restricted in the majority of the EU due to issues with potential toxicological concerns. Hydroquinone is 2-4 per cent (by prescription only). But it is still employed in the US. Lower dosages (2%) are utilised in dermo-cosmetics, whereas the greatest concentration (>4%) is only available via prescription.
Arbutin is a vital ingredient and a natural source of hydroquinone included in many Asian skin-whitening products. Similar worries about its safety have been voiced despite hydroquinone being less potent and less effective than hydroquinone generated industrially.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be controlled by medicinal interventions. Retinoic acid shouldn’t be given during pregnancy, though. A substance called kojic acid is made from the Japanese rice wine known as sake. Despite being natural, it has been outlawed in many nations due to the uncertainty surrounding its ability to effectively limit the formation of melanin.
Dermatologists utilise glycolic acid (or hydroxyacetic acid) in chemical peels.
Retinoic acid works, but it also has some negative side effects, such as inflammation and increased sun sensitivity (which is already a problem in people with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Pregnant or nursing women should avoid applying retinoic acids because a possible relation to congenital abnormalities has been noted.
The relative effectiveness of vitamin C derivatives in treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation has also been established. They frequently work in conjunction with other active ingredients. Butyl resorcinol, often known as B-resorcinol, is a very powerful ingredient for lowering melanin formation. The enzyme that produces melanin, tyrosinase, is inhibited by the substance.
