Postinflammatory hypopigmentation: a comprehensive review of treatments

Abstract

Postinflammatory hypopigmentation is an acquired form of hypopigmentation that occurs secondary to an exogenous or endogenous insult to the skin. It can occur in all skin phototypes but is more visually apparent in skin of color. Due in part to greater attention given to its counterpart, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, there is a dearth of literature describing this entity and treatment options remain limited. This review provides a comprehensive update on the pathogenesis, diagnostic evaluation and treatment of postinflammatory hypopigmentation, with a focus on newly reported treatment modalities.

Keywords: Postinflammatory hypopigmentation; phototherapy; procedural dermatology; prostaglandin; skin of color; topical.