Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

PIH is the commonest cause of generalized hyperpigmentation. It is due to epidermal (1^st layer of the skin) inflammation that damages the melanocytes (pigment-producing cells). There are endless causes such as mosquito bite, eczema, constant friction, blood vessel inflammation in the skin and etc. Most of the PIH can be easily removed by knowing the cause and applying topical cream.

On the contrary, we did come across a lady who had not been exposing her legs for decades because of chronic indurated PIH from eczema. It pains us to witness the psychological impact on her life. P-I-H, simple as it may sound. We never take anything too simply here.