Recent clinical trials have demonstrated their efficacy: cysteamine 5% cream reduced hyperpigmentation indices within 16 weeks, while topical TXA combinations yielded a 30-40% improvement in pigmentation with favorable safety. Emerging therapies such as cysteamine and TXA expand the range of treatment options for PIH, providing effective and safe alternatives to HQ in skin of color.
Relevant if you're working with retinol, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid for hyperpigmentation.
If you're targeting hyperpigmentation, this research supports adding retinol to your PM routine. Effective concentration range: 30–40% based on this study. Timeline to expect: 16 weeks based on study duration.
If you're targeting hyperpigmentation, this research supports adding azelaic_acid to your AM/PM routine. Effective concentration range: 30–40% based on this study. Timeline to expect: 16 weeks based on study duration.
Translated from this study's findings, not a personal prescription. Pair with your existing protocol and your practitioner's guidance.
1. Cureus. 2026 Apr 17;18(4):e107234. doi: 10.7759/cureus.107234. eCollection 2026 Apr. Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Skin of Color: Emerging Therapies and Treatment Algorithms. Persson C(1), Desai R(2), Manikkuttiyil C(3), Multani H(4), Lirio R(5), Nueva M(6), Hesari R(7), Gupta A(8).
1. Cureus. 2026 Apr 17;18(4):e107234. doi: 10.7759/cureus.107234. eCollection 2026 Apr. Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Skin of Color: Emerging Therapies and Treatment Algorithms. Persson C(1), Desai R(2), Manikkuttiyil C(3), Multani H(4), Lirio R(5), Nueva M(6), Hesari R(7), Gupta A(8). Author information: (1)Osteopathic Medical School, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA. (2)Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, USA. (3)Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA. (4)Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, USA. (5)Medicine, A.T. Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, USA. (6)Medicine, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harlem, USA. (7)Dermatology, Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs Campus, Hialeah, USA. (8)Dermatology, Skin Center of Florida, North Palm Beach, USA. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common pigmentary disorder that is especially prevalent among individuals with skin of color. Lesions can persist for months to years and may contribute to psychosocial distress. Given its chronicity and significant impact, it is important to optimize treatment approaches tailored to diverse skin types. This review evaluated emerging therapies and treatment algorithms for PIH across adult and pediatric populations, with a focus on evidence specific to skin of color. A comprehensive literature search covering 2015 to 2025 identified clinical studies including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, case series, and case reports that reported on topical, systemic, or procedural interventions for PIH. Emphasis was placed on therapies that were evaluated in skin-of-color cohorts. Topical agents such as hydroquinone (HQ), retinoids, azelaic acid (AA), cysteamine, and tranexamic acid (TXA) remain first-line therapies alongside photoprotection. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated their efficacy: cysteamine 5% cream reduced hyperpigmentation indices within 16 weeks, while topical TXA combinations yielded a 30-40% improvement in pigmentation with favorable safety. Oral TXA and emerging nutraceuticals have also shown promise as systemic options. Procedural interventions, including chemical peels and laser therapies, must be used cautiously in individuals with darker skin. In pediatric PIH, first-line management includes gentle skincare, sun protection, and treatment of the underlying inflammatory condition before considering more aggressive interventions. Emerging therapies such as cysteamine and TXA expand the range of treatment options for PIH, providing effective and safe alternatives to HQ in skin of color. Stepwise, individualized regimens that integrate topical therapy, photoprotection, and adjunctive interventions can optimize outcomes while minimizing risks. Further research in pediatric and skin-of-color populations is needed to refine treatment algorithms. Copyright © 2026, Persson et al. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.107234 PMCID: PMC13180417 PMID: 42153065 Conflict of interest statement: Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.
Original source →Wounds continue to represent a significant public health challenge globally. In recent years, Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, a traditional Chinese botanical drug utilized for wound treatment, has garnered increasing research attention. However, the therapeutic efficacy and safety of this natural botanical drug on wound healing remain poorly understood.
Friedreich's ataxia is a rare, chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative condition affecting multiple organ systems, including neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and endocrine systems, and is marked by low cardiopulmonary fitness. We tested the effect of exercise and NAD+ precursor supplementation with nicotinamide riboside, which have each shown benefits in animal and early clinical studies, on cardiopulmonary fitness in individuals with Friedreich's ataxia. This 12-week, outpatient, phase 2, single-site (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA), randomised, 2 × 2 factorial clinical trial recruited individuals aged 10-40 years with an ejection fraction of 45% or greater who were able to exercise.
Recent preclinical studies have shown that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) plays a critical role in molecular mechanisms of axon degeneration, and reductions in NAD+ levels are associated with axonal degeneration. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a safe and widely available pyridine-nucleoside form of vitamin B3 and is an NAD+ precursor. To investigate if oral supplementation of synthetic NR can act as a therapeutic agent to prevent degeneration of small somatic sensory axons innervating the skin or promote regeneration of these same fibers in humans, we utilized a validated experimental model of cutaneous nerve degeneration and regeneration and conducted a placebo-controlled, double-blinded Phase 2 study.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Individual results vary. Consult a qualified dermatologist or healthcare professional for medical concerns. Full disclaimer →