Postinflammatory hypopigmentation is the presence of partial or total loss of pigmentation that occurs after resolution of cutaneous inflammation or after trauma.

Postinflammatory hypopigmentation can occur in patients of all ages, sexes, and skin types, and is more visibly pronounced in those with darker skin phototypes. It can be seen as a sequela of many inflammatory skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, lichen striatus, pityriasis lichenoides chronica, lichen planus, sarcoidosis, discoid lupus erythematosus), infections (zoster, pityriasis versicolor, impetigo), procedures (chemical peels, laser, dermabrasion), and burns.

Time to resolution of hypopigmentation is dependent on the underlying cause and severity of inflammation, ranging from a few weeks in minimally hypopigmented lesions to several years in depigmented lesions (eg, discoid lupus erythematosus and burns).

Related topic: Drug-induced hypopigmentation