Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Following Electrolysis
Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a fairly common side effect following electrolysis on the face and body. Pigmentation issues occur in some patients regardless of skin colour due to conditions like rosacea, acne or dermatitis. PIH is, however, occurs routinely on people with brown or black skin.
Here is an illustration of PIH approximately 8 weeks after a small test patch on the legs of a teenage girl:
PIH is a common reaction to effective electrolysis treatment.
Each red dot indicates the opening of a hair follicle where a small scab developed following treatment. I will clear the area several times more as we continue treatment of her lower legs. Once the electrolysis process is complete the area will heal to reveal beautiful, silky, hair-free skin!
Treat hyperpigmentation after electrolysis with my prescribed aftercare routine.
You can use products to help the process along but time is also a great healer. Products like Retin A (tretinoin), hydraquinone, glycolic acid stimulate exfoliation of the skin once the scabs shed. Until then, my aftercare routine can keep your skin in tip top shape between appointments. You can also see what the derms have to say about it.
PIH following electrolysis is inevitable on some skin types if you actually want to get rid of the hair.
If you are of Indian or African descent it is almost certain you will see some manner of PIH following electrolysis treatment. It doesn’t worry me as the electrologist and it should not worry you as the client. You can manage post inflammatory hyperpigmentation using the aftercare regime I prescribe.
You are the best judge of how your skin might heal after electrolysis. Some people have clear skin that heals quickly and others need a little more TLC. The effect of electrolysis on your skin is completely predictable. If you follow my aftercare routine your skin can be almost perfect between appointments.
In summary, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is not scarring. It is a common side effect of electrolysis treatment on some skin types. PIH following electrolysis treatment is manageable and should not keep you from finally getting rid of your unwanted hair!