• Susan Taylor, Pearl Grimes, Joyce Lim, Sungbin Im, and Harvey Lui.
• Department of Dermatology, Columbia University, and the Skin of Color Center, St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY, USA.
• J Cutan Med Surg. 2009 Jul 1; 13 (4): 183-91.

BackgroundPostinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) commonly occurs in Fitzpatrick skin types III to VI and can have a considerable impact on quality of life. The majority of cases will improve spontaneously, but this can take months or even years to resolve and in some cases can be permanent. Treatment may be prolonged, lasting 6 to 12 months or longer for adequate restoration of normal pigmentation.ObjectiveTo review the etiology, pathogenesis, and current therapy options for patients with PIH.MethodsThis review is the outcome of a workshop that discussed literature reports of research and developments in the treatment of PIH and associated disease and current clinical practice.ResultsCombination products containing hydroquinone and retinoids appear to be the most beneficial treatment options, although there are few evidence-based studies for PIH.ConclusionMore randomized controlled clinical studies in large numbers of PIH patients are needed to provide standardized measurable outcomes in this indication.

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