POSTINFLAMMATORY HYPOPIGMENTATION AND HYPERPIGMENTATION

Postinflammatory hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation are frequently encountered problems and represent the sequelae of various cutaneous disorders as well as therapeutic interventions. However, the underlyin g mechanisms and the variability individuals show for developing hypop igmentation or hyperpigmentation are not well understood. The authors propose an inherited individual chromatic tendency that is based on '' week'' or ''strong'' melanocytes and their tendency to respond to trau ma or inflammation with either hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation. Clinical examples and management of both hypopigmentation and hyperpig mentation are discussed. Copyrights (C) 1997 by W.B, Saunders Company.