What is referred to as “post-inflammatory erythema”?

Post-inflammatory erythema refers to the red or discolored areas of skin that remain after acne lesions have healed. This condition occurs as a result of inflammation in the skin from acne, leading to dilation of blood vessels in the affected area and contributing to a reddish appearance.

After an acne lesion resolves, the skin may take some time to return to its natural color, during which the discolored patches can linger, even when no active acne is present. This phenomenon can be more pronounced in individuals with darker skin tones due to increased melanin production in response to inflammation. Understanding this concept is critical for acne specialists as it allows for better management of patients' concerns regarding skin appearance post-acne, substantially improving overall patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes.

The other options describe different aspects of skin conditions. Permanent scarring signifies more serious damage to the skin, while the formation of new acne due to treatment implies a reaction to certain products rather than a residual effect of past lesions. Itchy skin following treatment suggests a possible allergic reaction or irritation, which is a separate issue from post-inflammatory erythema.