Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in an African American Female: An Atypical Presentation and Treatment Dilemma

Cureus. 2023 Apr 26;15(4):e38142. doi: 10.7759/cureus.38142. eCollection 2023 Apr.

Abstract

We present the case of a 32-year-old African American female with a known history of primary Sjogren's syndrome, multiple vitamin deficiencies, and prior facial cellulitis who presented with diffuse facial post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following a motor vehicle accident. Following glucocorticoid treatment, only select hyperpigmented areas associated with inflammation, infection, or trauma improved, which thereby posed a clinical challenge to improve the patient's appearance and condition. Such results may warrant the consideration of adjunctive topical therapies to lighten the remaining areas of hyperpigmentation.

Keywords: autoimmune diseases; functional vitamin b12 deficiency; post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation; primary sjogren syndrome (pss); vitamin d deficiency.

Publication types

  • Case Reports