The medical term for skin discoloration is known as Post Inflammatory hyper pigmentation, or PIH; one that follows any wound such as acne or a boil. PIH is the skin's instinctive reaction to inflammation. PIH demonstrates itself as a flat area of discolored appearance on the skin, but not usually elevated, ranging from pinkish to crimson, violet, brownish or black, contingent upon the tone of your skin and the degree of the discoloration.
PIH is a common occurrence among those who experience acne and boils. It activates the skin to give rise to excessive melanin. Melanin is a skin pigment that accounts for the color of the skin. The surplus melanin tarnishes and darkens the inflamed area. This change of color stays on even after the boil or rash has recovered. Fortunately, PIH is not a true scar and does not stay on for life. You will be relieved to find out that post inflammatory hyper pigmentation is not permanently disfiguring or blemishing. It is likely to fade away over a period of time, even in the absence of treatment. How long PIH stays on, is dependent on how dark the PIH patch of skin that is discolored is equated to your skin tone. The larger the comparison between the macula and your natural skin tone, the longer it will take to disappear.
However, if you wish to seek treatment options to help get rid of post inflammatory hyper pigmentation more speedily, you must ensure that the boils or acne causing the PIH are under control before starting out any therapy for the condition. Else, each new boil is likely to cause a different PIH macula, bringing down the efficacy of the therapy.
Whatever therapy alternative you select, understand that progress in improvement can take time. Most dermatologists advocate the use of a broad-spectrum sun block every day. Exposure towards the sun is likely to tarnish or stain the discolorations and step-up fading time.
Minor cases of post inflammatory hyper pigmentation may consent well to nonprescription products. A number of "lightening" topical applications are currently available in the market today, that help in dealing with the skin condition. If the scar persists, speak to your dermatologist who may recommend chemical peels or micro-dermabrasion. Some dermatologists also advocate skin resurfacing treatments for stubborn scars; however you will need to consult with your doctor on the long-term risks of such treatments, considering the number of controversies and debate covering this procedure.