❋Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
in the Underarms, Groin & Neck
What is this condition?
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is darkening of the skin that develops after inflammation or irritation — and it's especially common in areas where skin experiences ongoing friction: the underarms, groin, and back of the neck. If you've dealt with darkening in these areas that hasn't faded on its own, you're not alone, and it's not something you have to just live with.
PIH in these specific areas is driven by a combination of factors that don't always apply to facial pigmentation:
❋ Friction and chronic rubbing From clothing, movement, or skin-on-skin contact
❋ Shaving, waxing, or hair removal irritation❋ Deodorant or product sensitivity❋ Underlying skin conditions Such as folliculitis or contact dermatitis
❋ Skin tonePatients with more melanin-rich skin tend to be more prone to PIH generally, and these areas concentrate the risk factors that trigger it
“I’ve struggled with dark underarms for years, and nothing I tried ever made a real difference. After just a couple of PicoFY sessions at Tres Jolie, I finally see the skin I’ve always wanted. The discoloration has lifted so much, my underarms look brighter, smoother, and more even. I feel confident wearing tank tops again. This has been life‑changing for me."
— Alexa M.
Common approaches include topical lightening agents, chemical peels, and various laser therapies — but these areas require extra care. Thinner skin, higher friction, and higher risk of irritation mean that not every treatment approach that works well on the face translates safely to the underarms or groin.
How it's generally treated
-
Underarm, groin, and neck skin all behave differently, and we treat them accordingly
-
Designed for high-friction areas, avoiding harsh actives that can worsen irritation in these zones
-
We track your progress and adjust as we go, since these areas can respond less predictably than facial skin
-
Because addressing friction, product irritation, or hair-removal habits alongside treatment is part of getting a result that lasts
We use Picofy's fractional pico laser technology, calibrated specifically for these more delicate, friction-prone areas. Our approach is deliberately more conservative here than on facial skin — because the goal is meaningful improvement without adding new irritation to skin that's already sensitive.
Your treatment plan includes:
How we treat it here
These areas are underrepresented in most pico laser marketing — probably because they're a little more sensitive to talk about. We don't think that should mean they get less thoughtful care. This is a real, common condition, and it deserves a real, structured treatment plan.
Schedule Your Consultation
A private, judgment-free conversation about a condition more people deal with than you'd think.
(312) 929-4508