Treatment
There are a number of treatment options available for POH. Among the available treatment options for POH include topical depigmenting agents, such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, azelaic acid, topical retinoic acid, and physical therapies, including chemical peels, surgical corrections, and laser therapy, most of which are tried scientifically for melasma, another common condition of hyperpigmentation, which also occurs on the face.1–3 The aim of treatment should be to identify and treat the primary cause of hyperpigmentation as well as its contributing factors. Also, different modalities are used according to the cause of POH.
Periorbital hyperpigmentation is a commonly encountered condition. It is less responsive to standard therapies due to its multifactorial etiology and deposition of melanin in both dermis and epidermis. However, even a mild-to-moderate improvement in appearance can cause an improvement in the quality of life of the patient, hence topical therapies and simple physical therapies such as chemical peels can be used to treat the patients who want to improve the cosmetic appearance of their face.