A Meta-Analytic and Posthumanist Review of Post-Inflammatory Cutaneous Sequelae in Contemporary Dermatopathology

Abstract

After inflammatory dermatoses like acne, eczema, and psoriasis, most patients develop post-inflammatory cutaneous sequelae (PICS) such as hyperpigmentation, atrophic scarring, and keloid. Individuals with darker skin seem to be more affected by these sequelae, and they have to deal with psychological and cosmetic problems for a long time. While many people face PICS, the details of the problem in these terms are still largely unknown. The aim of this meta-analysis is to summarize findings from 15 studies published in the years 2015 to 2021 to describe PICS and examine the data using a posthumanist approach. Studies concerning PICS prevalence and characteristics were selected using the guidelines from PRISMA and MOOSE. Macroscopic criteria, such as study design, skin type, outcomes evaluated, and bias assessment, were collected from the studies. For combining the estimates, we relied on random-effects models. In posthumanist theory, skin was understood as being influenced by different molecular, human, and technological processes. The overall prevalence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was 38.7%. However, this condition was more prevalent in individuals with Fitzpatrick types IV, V, and VI. Among all the patients, 22.5% had atrophic scars. It was learned from the results that skin diseases affect certain skin types more, have different inflammatory responses, and patients are treated unequally. Among its benefits, a posthumanist approach helps dermatologists give fair, well-rounded skin care by paying attention to the impact of biological, technological, and social factors on patients and their skin.