What is Post Inflammatory Erythema (PIE)?

[Carolyn Miller]

When figuring out the best solution for your skin concerns, one of the first steps should be identifying the type of scars you are dealing with. Post-inflammatory erythema, or pie acne treatment, is the residual pink, red, or purple marks left behind by acne breakouts. Once pimples have smoothed out and healed, the battle with acne isn't always over. Acne breakouts frequently leave marks on the skin when they heal. PIE is more common in lighter skin tones. It occurs when the capillaries beneath the skin burst, triggering a surge in blood flow to mend the vascular wound, resulting in these stubborn blemishes.

Before we begin, it's crucial to note that the phrase "post-inflammatory erythema" is a very new term. Previously, the red marks left by an injury were called "macula." In dermatology, this term describes areas of redness that do not rise above skin level. Let's take a look at the name: "Post" means "after," "inflammatory" means "caused by inflammation," and "erythema" means "redness,". So, it's a red, pink, or purple area on the skin left behind from an inflammatory process.

When acne is in the healing process, the PIE condition arises. Healing typically takes place in three phases: inflammation, formation of tissues, and reorganization of the matrix. In simple terms, the blood flow stops during the inflammation stage when the small blood vessels under the lesion get damaged or ruptured. If left untreated, it can also leave ugly scars.

Acne lesions, especially those on the face, are frequently inflamed. You may wish to get rid of them as soon as possible. As a result, you resort to squeezing pimples, which can worsen blood vessel damage and result in blotches on your face. Additionally, if you can't keep your hands off your face, scarring might result.

Your skin is usually thinner as it heals and this may worsen erythema. Those superficial red, pink, or purple blotches that characterize PIE are triggered by dilation, inflammation, or impairment of small capillaries that reside under the skin. Cystic acne is also a common PIE cause. However, any inflammatory skin condition, like dermatitis and sunburn, can be at fault. Dry skin, hormonal fluctuations, excess dead skin, chemical burns, over-exfoliation, cuts, and scratches can also trigger PIE.