[Physiopathology of melasma].
Melasma is a common dermatosis that involves changes in normal skin pigmentation, resulting from the hyperactivity of epidermal melanocytes. The consequent hyperpigmentation is mostly induced by ultraviolet radiation. Clinically, melasma is characterized by light to dark brown macules that usually occur on the face, although they can also affect the cervical and anterior thoracic regions and upper members.Fertile age women and those with intermediate skin phototypes are most likely to develop melasma. Most of its physiopathogenics is not yet fully understood, but there is a relation with genetic and hormonal factors, drugs and cosmetics use, endocrinopathies and sun exposure. The authors discuss the main aspects associated with skin pigmentation and the development of melasma.
Miot
Luciane Donida Bartoli
LD
Departamento de Dermatologia e Radioterapia, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Unesp, SP, Brasil. lucianemiot@fmb.unesp.br
Miot
Hélio Amante
HA
Silva
Márcia Guimarães da
MG
Marques
Mariângela Esther Alencar
ME
D006801:Humans; D008548:Melanosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*