Pigmentation
Pigmentation Treatment in Adelaide
The different types of pigmentation, and why identifying yours determines the outcome.
Pigmentation is not one condition. Sun-induced pigmentation, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and dermal pigmentation such as nevus of Ota all look broadly similar but sit at different depths and respond to different treatment. Treating melasma with an approach suited to sun spots commonly makes it worse, which is why identifying the type comes before selecting a treatment.
Pigmentation is the concern we see most often, which is unsurprising given South Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world.
It is also the concern where getting the diagnosis wrong causes the most harm. Aggressive treatment of melasma in particular can trigger a rebound that leaves the skin worse than before.
The types we treat
- Sun spots, age spots and freckles: surface pigmentation from cumulative UV exposure
- Melasma: larger, often symmetrical patches influenced by hormones and heat as well as UV
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): marks left behind after acne, injury or over-aggressive treatment
- Dermal pigmentation including nevus of Ota and Hori’s nevus: deeper blue-grey pigmentation requiring a specific approach
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
PIH is the flat brown or red mark left behind after a breakout heals. It is not a scar, and it is not permanent, but it can take many months to fade on its own.
It is more common and more persistent in deeper skin tones. It is also frequently made worse by picking, by sun exposure, and by treatments that are too aggressive for the skin at that moment.
The first priority is settling whatever caused the inflammation. Treating PIH while the underlying acne is still active simply generates more of it.
Why SPF is not optional
Every form of pigmentation is driven or worsened by UV exposure. Treatment without daily sun protection is a cycle rather than a course, and it is the single most common reason results do not hold.
Common questions
How long does post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation take to fade?+
Left alone it can take anywhere from 3 to 24 months depending on depth, your skin tone and sun exposure. Appropriate treatment and consistent SPF can shorten that considerably.
Why does my melasma keep coming back?+
Melasma is influenced by hormones and heat as well as UV, which means it is managed rather than cured. Treatment aims for control and maintenance, and anyone promising permanent clearance is overstating it.
Can deeper pigmentation like nevus of Ota be treated?+
Dermal pigmentation sits deeper than sun-induced pigmentation and needs a specific approach. Suitability and realistic expectations are assessed individually at consultation.
Other concerns
All treatments require an individual consultation and suitability assessment. Results vary between individuals. Information on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.