Theres a technical term for this: Post-Inflammatory Erythema, often referred to as PIE.
Understanding the causes and treatment options for post-inflammatory erythema is essential for effectively managing this frustratingskincareconcern.
Additionally, the generalrednessthat goes along with the inflammation can linger and also contribute to post-inflammatory erythema.
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What Is Post-Inflammatory Erythema?
This is often due to inflamed acne.
Acne with inflamed papules and pustules is more likely to result in PIE.
Sometimes as the post-inflammatory erythema fades and begins to go away, the color can shift as well.
What Causes Post-Inflammatory Erythema?
What does this mean?
Oil causes a build-up in the follicle and blocks the duct, causing pimples to form.
Bacteria
While all skin has bacteria, acne sufferers have a higher level ofP.
acnesbacteria than others, says Riyaz.
P. acnesfeed on the excess oil and cause inflammation, redness, and infection, which manifests as acne.
When the bacteria digest the trapped oil, this produces fatty acid waste that causes the irritation.
This exact irritation can then translate to PIE, often leading to pink or red patches on the skin.
Excess Dead Skin
A more under-the-radar cause of acne, excess dead skin can trigger PIE.
This is called retention hyperkeratosis.
How Long Does Post-Inflammatory Erythema Last?
Post-inflammatory erythema can last for weeks or even months after the initial issue subsides.
However, with proper treatment, it’s possible to minimize its appearance.
Specifically, lasers that can be used include PDL,IPL, and KTP lasers, she says.
Tretinoin is 10- to 100-times more effective than over-the-counter retinoids.
It works by exfoliating and stimulating cell turnover, reducing inflammation, and clearing pores.
Tretinoin is prescription-only, so you’ll have to consult a doctor before trying.
Popular Tretinoin brands include Retin-A Micro, Refissa, and Retin-A.
Benzoyl peroxide reduces acne-causing bacteria, dead skin cell build-up, and irritation associated with acne, says Riyaz.
Benzoyl peroxide reduces fatty acids and releases oxygen for an antimicrobial effect.
The bacteria that cause acne cannot live in an oxygen-rich environment.
Some examples include DRMTLGY’s Physical Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF44 and Avene’s Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Tinted Sunscreen.
Clindamycin
Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic that can help kill the bacterial cause of acne.
According to Riyaz, clindamycin can help reduce inflammatory breakouts by up to 50 percent within twelve weeks.
Dapsone can be found in both ingestable and topical forms, including the popular dapsone gel, Aczone.
Metronidazole
This antibiotic does it all, Riyaz shares.
The anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic properties work together to treat acne.
It also helps reduce and prevent PIE redness.
Popular brands include Metrogel, Nuvessa, and MetroCream, and is only available by prescription.
Before applying, youll want to have clean, freshly washed skin.
When applying, be sure to cover the entire irritated and red surface area, not just pimples themselves.
Are There Any Home Remedies for Treating PIE?
Avoid picking or squeezing pimples and blemishes to minimize the duration and severity of PIE.
Dapsone- american osteopathic college of dermatology(Aocd).
