Post-inflammatory Erythema
Also written as: PIE — Post-Inflammatory Erythema
Temporary reddish or pink discolouration of the skin that persists after an inflammatory event or aesthetic procedure, resulting from superficial vascular dilation.
Full Definition
Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) presents as flat, pink to red macules at sites of previous inflammation—such as resolved acne lesions or ablative laser treatment sites—and is caused by persistent dilation and proliferation of dermal capillaries rather than by melanin deposition. Editors must not confuse PIE with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which involves melanin and produces brown discolouration; the two conditions co-exist in some patients but represent distinct pathological processes. In editorial copy, the abbreviation PIE should always be expanded on first use, and editors should verify which condition the author intends. Treatment references in clinical copy should match the correct condition.
Usage
Usage note: Critical distinction from PIH (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation): PIE = red/pink (vascular); PIH = brown (melanin). Always expand abbreviation on first use.
In Context
- "The patient developed post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) following fractional laser treatment, which resolved within eight weeks." — Clinical follow-up note
- "The author wrote 'PIE' in reference to a brown macule, which is a description of PIH, not post-inflammatory erythema; please query with the author." — Proofreading query