What is Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH, is darkening of the skin that develops after inflammation or injury. When skin is inflamed, for example from acne, eczema, insect bites, burns or aggressive cosmetic treatments, pigment cells can produce extra melanin and deposit it in the skin. The result is flat brown, gray or dark marks at the site of the original problem. PIH is more common and often longer-lasting in medium and darker skin tones. It frequently fades on its own over months, but sun exposure and ongoing inflammation can make it persist.

Who it's for

You may benefit from treatment if you have:

• Brown or dark marks where acne spots used to be
• Discoloration after a rash, bite, burn or scratch
• Dark patches following a peel, laser or waxing
• Marks that darken with sun exposure
• Uneven skin tone after a skin condition has settled

How we treat it at Egg Clinic

A dermatologist first confirms the diagnosis and checks whether the original cause, such as active acne or eczema, is still present, because controlling inflammation is the foundation of treatment. We also distinguish PIH from redness left after acne and from melasma. Your plan may include:

• Treating the underlying condition: to stop new marks from forming
• Topical treatment: prescription or medical-grade products that reduce pigment production and support skin turnover
• Gentle toning laser: low-energy RevLite toning can help break down excess pigment gradually
• Light chemical exfoliation: in selected cases, to support fading
• Daily sun protection: essential to prevent further darkening

Because inflammation causes PIH, we use conservative settings to avoid triggering new pigmentation.

What to expect

After your consultation, treatment is tailored to the depth of pigment and your skin type. Toning sessions are short and generally comfortable, with mild warmth or snapping. Redness usually settles within a day. PIH fades gradually, and improvement is typically seen over several weeks to months. Deeper pigment takes longer. Possible side effects include temporary redness and, rarely, lightening or darkening of the treated skin. Results vary.

Aftercare

• Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every day and reapply outdoors
• Avoid picking or squeezing spots and scabs
• Use gentle skincare and avoid harsh scrubs
• Moisturize to support the skin barrier
• Follow your prescribed topical routine consistently

Frequently asked questions

Will dark marks fade on their own?

Many do fade over time, often over several months, but this can take longer in darker skin tones or with sun exposure. Treatment may help speed up fading.

Are these marks scars?

Flat discoloration is usually PIH rather than a true scar. Scars involve changes in skin texture, such as indentations, and need different treatment.

Can laser make pigmentation worse?

Aggressive treatment can trigger more pigmentation, especially in sensitive skin. That is why we use gentle settings and combine laser with topical care and sun protection.

Visit Egg Clinic in Sinsa

Egg Clinic is at 613 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th floors, directly in front of Sinsa Station Exit 5 (Line 3). We are open weekdays 11:00–20:30 and Saturday and Sunday 11:00–17:00, with a lunch break from 14:00 to 15:00. Book a consultation to find the right approach for your dark marks. Call +82-2-542-5540, email eggclinic1@gmail.com, or message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk.