Bayer HealthCare study suggests acne treatment may help sufferers with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation

BERLIN — A new study conducted by Bayer HealthCare suggests that an investigational treatment for acne may be suitable for patients with dark complexions whose acne includes a condition that causes irregular discoloration of the skin known as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH.

In the study, published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, patients received azelaic acid in the 15% strength. Patients with dark skin are at increased risk of PIH, which is a widespread side effect of acne vulgaris, and also may result from skin irritation. Bayer and Intendis market the drug around the world under the brand names Skinoren and Finacea.

By the end of the study, in the 16th week, all patients showed at least a “one-grade improvement” in their PIH, while 92% showed a “two-grade improvement” and 31% had complete clearance of PIH.