Answer to Question #129986 in Human Anatomy and Physiology for Anonymous

Question

Is pigmentation, caused on face due to acne, permanent or it can be removed?

Answer 1

The pigmentation caused on face due to acne is called post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Hyperpigmentation acne may fade over time, but if the original spots were deep, it may be permanent. Although some topical and surgical therapies can speed up the fading process, it can take several months to years. The good news is that PIH can fade away over time, even without treatment. But time is the operative word here. It can take three to 24 months for PIH to fully fade, although in some cases it may take longer. The length of time it takes for PIH to fade depends on how dark the spot is compared to the surrounding skin.