Established treatments of skin hypermelanoses.
Cutaneous hypermelanoses are frequently encountered conditions that can have severe adverse psychosocial and emotional effects on affected patients. Melasma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, drug-induced pigmentation, and erythema dischromicum perstans are among the most common cutaneous disorders leading to acquired skin hyperpigmentation. The treatment of these disorders is often challenging and requires a great deal of patience from the patient and a wealth of experience and knowledge from the dermatologist. Current treatments include depigmenting agents, chemical peels, and lasers. The ideal bleaching agent has to fulfill certain pharmacologic criteria. It should have a potent bleaching effect with a rapid time of onset, carry no side effects, and lead to a permanent removal of undesired pigment. We review the established treatment approaches of cutaneous hyperpigmentation based on literature review and our personal experience.
Nikolaou
Vasiliki
V
Department of Dermatology, University of Athens School of Medicine, Andreas Sygros Hospital for Skin and Venereal Diseases, Athens, Greece.
Stratigos
Alexander J
AJ
Katsambas
Andreas D
AD
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D053685:Laser Therapy
D003879:Dermatologic Agents