Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation Clinical Presentation

Updated: Apr 05, 2021
  • Author: Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD  more...
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Presentation

History

A diagnosis of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation should be considered if a history of a preceding pathologic process or injury to the affected area of hyperpigmentation is present.

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Physical Examination

The distribution of the hypermelanotic lesions depends on the location of the original inflammatory dermatosis. The color of the lesions ranges from light brown to black, with a lighter brown appearance if the pigment is within the epidermis (ie, epidermal melanosis) and a darker gray to bluish appearance if lesions contain dermal melanin (ie, dermal melanosis). Note the image below.

Photo of a 42-year-old African American woman with Photo of a 42-year-old African American woman with macules of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation on the left side of her face as a result of acne excoriée.
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