PIE and PIH: How To Treat Erythema Effectively

What is Post-Inflammatory Erythema (and How To Get Rid of It)

When it comes to finding the right solution for your skin concerns one of the very first steps should be identifying the type of scarring or hyperpigmentation that you are dealing with. In this article, you will learn more about Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE) and also Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. I will also discuss the differences between the two and some ingredients that can help with the healing process. 

What is Post-Inflammatory Erythema? (PIE)

You know when you get a pesky pimple and, whether you pick at it or not, and it leaves behind pink/red discoloration? The umbrella term for this would be ‘Hyperpigmentation’ - but that can be broken down into two categories: PIE and PIH. PIE is a fairly new term shorthand for post inflammatory erythema. It was coined in 2013, due to more and more research by dermatologists. 

This type of pigmentation usually occurs on lighter skin tones and is not linked to melanin production. After inflammation of the skin, the increase of damaged capillaries in those areas (due to your skin’s healing process) are the cause of the area to be a pink-ish or red-ish color.

What causes Post-Inflammatory Erythema?

PIE is caused by blood vessel damage within the skin's inflammation process. Oftentimes, these marks are leftover from cystic acne, but can still occur from other types of breakouts. PIE is not necessarily specific to acne and can occur in response to other inflammatory processes in your skin. Other factors that can cause post-inflammatory erythema include: excess sun exposure, hormones, dermatitis, cuts & dermatitis.

Difference Between PIE and PIH

PIH (or Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) is a type of hyperpigmentation that can occur on the face or body. It usually shows up as flat, brown spots - depending on the skintone. PIH is caused by an overproduction of melanin followed by inflammation in the skin, acne, sun exposure & scarring. 

The main difference between PIE and PIH is the pigmentation of the skin and that PIE is caused by damaged capillaries. PIH usually occurs in deeper skin tones, whereas PIE usually occurs in lighter skin tones.

How to Treat Post-Inflammatory Erythema

For most people with acne, PIE tends to go away on its own over time - but could take awhile if untreated. The Banish Fighter Gel can be used to help treat PIE, as it includes anti-inflammatory ingredients like: 

• Organic Aloe
• Organic Green Tea
• Organic Gotu Kola

Generally antioxidants, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and ingredients that are good for hyperpigmentation can reduce PIE such as vitamin c, glycolic acid, and certain in office treatments. 

Some other ingredients that can help to get rid of PIE and hyperpigmentation:

• Vitamin C
• Niacinimide
• Hydroquinone
• Glycolic acid
• Azelaic acid 

For most people, PIE and PIH are inevitable, especially after a breakout, but don’t lose hope. There are different ways to combat the marks and help get rid of them over time. 

How to Prevent PIE

The biggest thing for preventing Post-Inflammatory Erythema would be to treat the underlying process - and that means preventing acne breakouts in this case. 

We all know that this is way easier said then done, though.  But prevention works best. It is a lot easier to get rid of acne then it is for getting rid of Post-Inflammatory Erythema. 

Another tip for prevention of PIE is to reduce UV Exposure. Be sure to wear broad spectrum sunscreen each day, even if the sun isn’t out - believe it or not the UV rays are still there when it is cloudy outside and clouds do NOT block actual UV rays which are the rays responsible for causing skin damage. 

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3780804/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256985204_Easy_as_PIE_Postinflammatory_Erythema