New and experimental treatments of cloasma and other hypermelanoses.
In clinical practice, acquired hyperpigmentations represent the most common disorders of pigmentation the dermatologist has to treat. Despite the large number of depigmenting agents available, the treatment of hyperpigmentations is often unsuccessful and disappointing and is still a challenge for dermatologists. This article focuses on the chemical compounds reported to be in depigmenting or skin lightening agents, their proposed mechanism of action, and their clinical efficacy in the treatment of melasma and hypermelanoses, mainly based on randomized clinical trials. It also reviews chemical peels and their indications, together with the possible uses of laser and intense pulsed light.
Picardo
Mauro
M
Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute (IRCCS), Elio Chianesi, 53, 00144 Rome, Italy. picardo@ifo.it
Carrera
Manuela
M
D002615:Chemexfoliation / Q000379:methods; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006873:Hydroquinones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D062385:Hydroxybenzoates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers / Q000145:classification; D008548:Melanosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012176:Retinoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005419:Flavonoids; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006873:Hydroquinones; D062385:Hydroxybenzoates; D012176:Retinoids; D014212:Tretinoin; C031927:hydroquinone