How do I get rid of post-inflammatory erythema, which is now a pinkish patch on my face?

Doctor's Answers 1

Hi, post-inflammatory erythema is a common consequence after recent:

  • Acne
  • Rashes
  • Burns
  • Minor surgical procedures

It is due to an increase in blood vessels and inflammation around the previous area of injury or disease. Treatment can be by the following strategies:

  1. Monitor, put on sun protection, and wait for the redness to resolve over time. This will usually take 2-6 months on the face.

  2. Topical silicone gels or vitamin C serums can give mild improvement.

  3. Vascular lasers such as VBEAM laser is an excellent treatment for post-inflammatory erythema. Good results are usually seen after even just 1-2 treatments.

Kindly see your local doctor or Dermatologist who is experienced in the use of vascular lasers to get more advice if you would like to explore this option further. Hope you find this helpful.

Similar Questions

What are effective topical treatments to speed up the fading of Post Acne Erythema?

Sorry to hear that you are troubled with post acne red marks. Laser is indeed the best way of removing these marks. We usually use the pulsed dye laser (VBEAM) as it is excellent in shutting down the blood vessels and resulting in fading even after 1-3 sessions. In terms of topicals, we usually advise patients to practice strict sun protection and apply sunscreen daily as well as to reduce sun exposure as much as possible. As long as there are no new active acne forming, these marks will usually fade gradually over time. Hope this helps!

Photo of Dr Stephanie  Ho

Answered By

Dr Stephanie Ho

Dermatologist

Are there safe topical treatments for post-inflammatory erythema in Singapore?

Hi, Generally, all post-inflammatory erythema with take several weeks to months to gradually clear on its own. The more intense the preceding inflammation, the longer it will usually take to clear. If you are bothered about the post-inflammatory erythema, a concealer is probably the safest way to conceal it while your skin heals itself and the redness fades away. Mirvaso (bromonidine) gel, used to treat the redness of Rosacea may possibly work but it is costly and may cause skin irritation in 10% of patients using it. Hope this helps!

Photo of Dr Chin Yee Choong

Answered By

Dr Chin Yee Choong

Aesthetic

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