Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Following Electrolysis
Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a fairly common side effect of electrolysis or laser hair removal treatments. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs in many patients regardless of skin colour. PIH is, however, more noticeable and long lasting on people with brown or black skin.
Here is an illustration of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation approximately 8 weeks after a small test patch was done using thermolysis and an insulated probe on the legs:
example of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a temporary condition that commonly follows electrolysis hair removal on the body.
Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is an absolutely normal reaction to effective electrolysis (or laser) hair removal treatments.
Each red dot indicates the opening of a hair follicle where a small scab developed following treatment. Once the scabs shed you are left with the red dots (or brown dots if your skin is darker). The area will be cleared once more as we continue with the treatment of her lower legs. Once the electrolysis hair removal process is complete the area will heal to reveal beautiful, silky, hair-free skin!
Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation after electrolysis needs anywhere from 3 months to 2 years to heal following the last treatment in the area.
You can use products to help the process along but I tell my clients just to leave their skin alone because time is the best healer. Products like Retin A (tretinoin), hydraquinone, glycolic acid or any other product that stimulates an exfoliating effect on the skin can be used once the scabs have shed and electrolysis treatments have ceased.
Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation following electrolysis cannot be avoided on some skin if you actually want to get rid of the hair.
If you are of Indian or African descent (or if you have olive skin) it is almost a certainty you will see PIH following electrolysis treatment. It doesn’t worry me as the electrologist and it should not worry you as the client. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation will heal to reveal the beautiful skin that was hiding under the unwanted hair and razor bumps for years!
I always tell clients that they are the best judge of how their skin will heal from electrolysis. If your skin has many pigmented patches then you will want to proceed slowly with electrolysis so your skin heals after each appointment.
Further reading:
Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Following Electrolysis Or Laser