Marks remaining after acne
Post-Inflammatory Erythema
Related terms · Red acne marks · PIE · Post-inflammatory erythema
Post-inflammatory erythema refers to flat red or pink marks that remain where acne inflammation has subsided. This is different from pitted scars.
Overview
Post-inflammatory Erythema: Check these three things first
- Post-inflammatory erythema refers to flat red or pink marks that remain where acne inflammation has subsided. It is pitted scarsdifferent from pitted scars.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentationpost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation appears brown or grayish-brown, and atrophic scars have changes in texture/depth when touched.
- Check if it feels flat to the touch, if it turns brown over time, or if new inflammation occurs in the same spot.
Meaning and Distinction
What is post-inflammatory erythema?
It refers to a condition where the skin appears red due to remaining vascular changes after inflammation. Post-inflammatory erythema consists of flat red or pink marks left where acne inflammation has subsided. It is different from pitted scars.
- Easily confused terms
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation appears brown or grayish-brown, and atrophic scars have changes in texture/depth when touched.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- Distinguishing between active inflammation, marks, and scars is necessary to determine the order of treating new acne and managing the remaining marks.
- Information to prepare for your visit
- Check if it feels flat to the touch, if it turns brown over time, or if new inflammation occurs in the same spot.
More details
Connecting post-inflammatory erythema to your symptoms
Remaining redness does not necessarily mean inflammation is ongoing
Even after acne becomes flat and pain disappears, due to vascular changes, Red marksredness may remain. You must count new breakouts and flat red marks separately to properly evaluate the treatment response.
Brown marks and pitted scars are not viewed the same way
Redness may be post-inflammatory erythema, while brown marks may be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If the surface level looks different when light is shone from the side, check for atrophic scars as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions when looking up post-inflammatory erythema
Is a diagnosis determined by the term 'post-inflammatory erythema' alone?
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation appears brown or grayish-brown, and atrophic scars have changes in texture/depth when touched.
What should I note down before my appointment regarding post-inflammatory erythema?
Distinguishing between active inflammation, marks, and scars is necessary to determine the order of treating new acne and managing the remaining marks. Check if it feels flat to the touch, if it turns brown over time, or if new inflammation occurs in the same spot.
Acne Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check simple definitions before proceeding to detailed explanations.Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuidePost-acne red marksRed marks after acne may be post-inflammatory erythema, where vascular redness remains flat in areas where inflammation has subsided. You should check if the area is not raised or painful to the touch and whether the primary color is pink or red rather than brown. However, new papules or pustules, persistent redness across the entire face, or indented surface changes must be distinguished from active acne, rosacea, and scarring, respectively.→
- Condition GuideAcne scarsAcne scar symptoms are divided into atrophic scars, where the skin is indented, and hypertrophic or keloid scars, which are firmly raised. Indented scars may be a mix of ice-pick (narrow and deep), boxcar (relatively distinct borders), and rolling (wide and wavy) types. Conversely, flat red or brown changes remaining after acne may be post-inflammatory erythema or hyperpigmentation and should be distinguished from scars where the skin structure has changed. If new acne continues to appear, or if there is pus, heat, rapid swelling, acne that looks like a scar grows rapidly, or bleeding and ulcers occur, a dermatology evaluation should come first.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideIf acne reappears after improving during treatmentIf inflammation decreased during treatment but returned after stopping, it does not mean the previous treatment was a complete failure. Try to note what decreased and by how much, and which types of acne returned and how many weeks after pausing treatment. It is easier to determine the priority for the next treatment if you also examine whether maintenance therapy was needed, if the treatment was not used sufficiently due to irritation, or if the recurrence coincided with changes in menstruation, sleep, or digestion.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideWhat is the difference between red acne marks and brown pigmentation?→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment descriptions.