I have been having weekly electrolysis sessions on my chest area and have developed some post post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I think it was over treatment with too high settings (they have since been adjusted), or it could just be my own bodies reaction, as I am of indian origin?
My electrolysist is confident that they will fade once the frequency of electrolysis decreases and I think she’s probably right. However, I was just wondering if there was anything I could do to speed things along? I have a tube of hydroquinone and I was wondering if it was safe to use this in conjunction with electrolysis? I’d stop using the cream the night before and resume two days after my treatment (assuming the area has healed). Any feedback would be great!
Being Italian, I also develop PIH from electrolysis (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). It’s like a suntan. During treatment, I would get deep dark patches on my back that lasted for months.
What is going on? Well, “our” melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) are sensitive; that’s why we get a beautiful golden tan (in minutes for me). What’s important to understand is that as the skin heals (normal healing) the inflammation process does not stop for many months. On-going inflammation stimulates the melanocytes to produce more pigment — it’s not a one-time thing. (It’s patchy because it’s happening around the destroyed follicle.)
You can “fade out” the pigment with your “bleaching cream” but when you stop, new pigment will show up. NONE of this is a problem and it is not caused by overtreatment — it’s just your (and my) skin! PIH always always always goes away — did I mention “always.”
We have lots of Hispanics in Santa Barbara — and, the same thing. It’s just our skin type. White folks don’t get this, but then they get nasty sunburn too!
