Revealing the origin of postsclerotherapy hyperpigmentation: Identification of melanin and hemosiderin as causative pigments in a histopathological study.

This article focuses on the histopathological origins of postsclerotherapy hyperpigmentation (PSH), a common side effect of sclerotherapy used to treat varicose veins and telangiectasias. The study analyzed skin biopsies from 19 patients and found that while hemosiderin deposits remain the primary pigment associated with PSH, increased epidermal and dermal melanin indicative of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) also contribute to pigmentation in some cases. These findings challenge previous assumptions that hemosiderin alone causes PSH and suggest that patient-specific factors such as skin type and inflammation influence pigment development. The study highlights implications for treatment, recommending consideration of both laser therapies targeting hemosiderin and topical agents addressing PIH.