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Lasers, lights, and compounds for melasma in aesthetics
Kanika Kamal1, Kerry Heitmiller2, Mitalee Christman3
1Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Clinics in Dermatology
|November 28, 2021
Summary
Melasma is a chronic skin condition impacting quality of life. Current treatments offer limited efficacy, with newer options like oral tranexamic acid and lasers showing promise for managing this relapsing disorder.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cosmetic Science
Background:
- Melasma is a chronic, relapsing skin condition.
- It significantly impacts patients' quality of life due to psychosocial stress.
- Existing treatments often have limited efficacy and cannot prevent recurrence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current melasma treatments.
- To examine ongoing debates in melasma management.
- To assess the efficacy and safety of available therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of previous and ongoing research on melasma treatments.
- Analysis of treatment modalities including photoprotection, topical agents, oral agents, and laser therapies.
- Evaluation of hydroquinone, oral tranexamic acid, and lasers as treatment options.
Main Results:
- Treatment efficacy for melasma is often limited.
- Hydroquinone was a traditional treatment, but newer options like oral tranexamic acid and lasers are now utilized.
- No current treatment effectively prevents melasma recurrence.
Conclusions:
- Successful melasma management requires setting realistic patient expectations.
- Ensuring patient compliance with treatment is crucial.
- Further research may be needed for more effective and preventative therapies.
