Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), when the skin becomes discolored or darkened, is a common consequence for people of color receiving laser treatments. It's a major challenge for Dermatologists and one with no clear solutions. Dr Vincent Richer of Pacific Derm in Vancouver, joins Kirk to discuss the article he co-authored with Dr. Ian Wong in the Jan/Feb 2021 issue of the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, "Prophylaxis of Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation From Energy-Based Device Treatments: A Review." As Dr Richer explains to Kirk, the article is an attempt to "look into the science behind what supports all the 'witchcraft and wizardry' that we do either before or after our treatments, to try and prevent (PIH) from coming."

Dr. Vincent Richer is a medical and cosmetic Dermatologist and holds positions as Clinical Instructor and Director of Continuing Medical Education at the Department of Dermatology and Skin Science at the University of British Columbia. He is motivated by getting optimal outcomes for his medical and cosmetic patients through customized care. This includes using the power of light to treat and enhance skin health, such as ultraviolet phototherapy to treat psoriasis or eczema, lasers and injectables to selectively improve skin appearance as well as photodynamic therapy to treat precancerous lesions.

Dr. Vincent's article is available for free for three weeks after this interview is published:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1203475420957633

JCMS Author interviews is produced by David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions in Ottawa.

Our theme music is composed by Lee Rosevere.

#laser, #hyperpigmentation, #post-inflammatory, #skinofcolor, #derm, #dermatology