Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) affects all skin types with a heightened predilection for darker skin tones. Its course is chronic once developed and treatment is often difficult. This systematic review aims to summarize the treatment outcomes for PIH with a focus on skin of colour (SOC) individuals. A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (from 1946), Embase (from 1974), PubMed, and Cochrane in adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guideline. Results from 48 studies summarized 1356 SOC individuals. The mean age was 29 years (n = 1036) and 78% were female (n = 786). The ethnic prevalence was 70% Black, 27% Asian, and 3% Latin. Overall, 20% were Fitzpatrick skin type (FST) III, 40% FST IV, 34% FST V, and 6% FST VI. Most cases were precipitated by inflammatory conditions (89%) and localized to the face (83%). The most frequently reported interventions were topical retinoids (22%) and laser therapy (17%). Partial improvement was seen in 85% and 66% of participants, respectively. Laser was the only intervention that offered complete resolution in a subgroup of patients (26%); however, there were reported cases of PIH exacerbation following treatment. Chemical peels (9%) and hydroquinone (7%) were among other treatments with less effective outcomes. PIH and its persistence is a prevalent issue, significantly affecting many affected individuals with darker skin tones. Our results show a lack of robust efficacy across all treatment modalities. There is considerable room for improvement in interventions for at-risk populations.
3 February 2022 in Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology
Background: Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic skin disease that can occur in pregnancy. Current treatments include topical and systemic glucocorticoids and cyclosporine. Presently, the only biologic approved for atopic dermatitis is dupilumab with limited data available regarding its safety profile in pregnancy. Case presentation: We report a case of severe atopic dermatitis treated safely with dupilumab with no adverse maternal or fetal outcomes and resolution of atopic dermatitis postpartum in the absence of maintenance dupilumab therapy. Conclusion: Here we demonstrate the safe use of dupilumab in pregnancy. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of dupilumab in the management of atopic dermatitis during pregnancy.
14 February 2025 in Australasian Journal of Dermatology
Background/Objectives: Post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) impacts all skin tones with a heightened predilection for Fitzpatrick skin types (FST) III‐VI. Preventative measures include pre‐ and post‐intervention approaches, such as sunscreen and corticosteroids. This systematic review aims to summarise the preventative measure outcomes for skin of colour individuals.Methods: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (from 1946) and Embase (from 1974) in adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis guidelines.Results: Of 14 studies, 369 cases were included. The mean age was 38 years (n = 293) and 72% were female (n = 265). All patients were of Asian ethnicity, and 42% were of FST III, 54% FST IV, and 4% FST V. Nearly all cases were precipitated by laser therapy (> 95%), and the face was the most reported location (85%). The most successful preventative measure was sunscreen alone or combined with other ingredients. Less successful outcomes were seen with topical corticosteroids and systemic tranexamic acid, while cooling air devices exacerbated the development of PIH.Conclusion: Overall, only sunscreen consistently prevented the incidence of PIH; however, the severity of the ensuing PIH may be diminished with other measures. There is considerable room for improved preventative strategies for at‐risk populations.
13 January 2022 in Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology