Post-Inflammatory Hypopigmentation - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Medically reviewed by Dr. Anand S. Urhekar, MD, MD Pathology, Clinical Advisor · Last updated July 2026
Pale or white patches left after skin inflammation or injury, caused by temporary reduction in melanin production or loss of melanocytes. Common after eczema, psoriasis, pityriasis alba, burns, cryotherapy and some cosmetic procedures. Unlike vitiligo the patches are usually off-white rather than chalk-white and have indistinct borders.
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Quick Answer
Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation is a pale patch left where skin was previously inflamed or injured. The borders are typically fuzzy and the colour is off-white rather than the stark chalk-white of vitiligo. Most cases repigment slowly over weeks to months once the underlying inflammation is controlled; sun protection prevents surrounding skin from darkening and exaggerating the contrast.
Symptoms
- Pale, off-white or lighter-than-normal patches
- Indistinct, blending borders
- Sited exactly where a rash, burn or procedure occurred
- Skin texture usually normal, sometimes slightly scaly
- More noticeable in darker skin and after sun exposure
Causes & Risk Factors
- Eczema, psoriasis or seborrhoeic dermatitis
- Pityriasis alba in children
- Burns, cryotherapy and laser treatment
- Potent topical or injected corticosteroids
- Infections such as tinea versicolor
Treatment & Management
- Treat the underlying inflammatory condition first
- Emollients and gentle skin care
- Daily sun protection to reduce contrast with surrounding skin
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors in selected cases
- Phototherapy for extensive or persistent loss, under specialist care
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if patches are spreading, becoming completely chalk-white, or have not started to recover within six months — vitiligo, tinea versicolor and other causes need to be excluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this vitiligo?
Usually not. Vitiligo patches are sharply demarcated and completely depigmented, and they typically appear on hands, around the mouth and eyes rather than at the site of an old rash. A dermatologist can distinguish them with a Wood's lamp.
Will the colour come back?
In most cases yes, because melanocytes are suppressed rather than destroyed. Repigmentation is gradual — weeks to many months — and depends on controlling the original inflammation.
Does tanning help even out the colour?
No, it makes it worse. The surrounding normal skin tans while the affected patch cannot, increasing the contrast — and adds UV damage.
Related Conditions
Medical References
Information on this page is sourced from and verified against reputable medical resources:
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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content on this page should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of your condition.