How long does post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation take to fade, if at all? There's a complicated question!

Whether or not post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is permanent depends on three things: 

1. How severe the trauma that caused the discolouration was
2. The skin colour of the person affected
3. How the skin is treated afterwards

Most PIH will generally eventually fade away over time, as the melanin that’s causing the pigmentation is gradually released from the dermis, and the epidermis continues on its natural cycle of regeneration and repair.

However, the more damage done, the longer the discolouration will take to fade, and the darker the original skin, the more severe the impact of the inflammation.

The time it takes can range from months to years, and while some PIH never completely goes away and ends up being pretty much permanent, most will go eventually, whether that takes three months or three years.

For more information on looking after post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, see our blog How To Get Rid Of Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation or read Alaa Hassan’s personal experience of PIH in her article Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, Eczema & Me

Recommended products:

Balmonds Skin Salvation balm to nourish and moisturise skin during an inflammatory episode

Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream for daily maintenance of dry or sensitive skin