title: Treatment of melasma and the use of intense pulsed light: a review.
abstract: Melasma is a complex multifactorial disorder whose pathogenesis is not well understood. In addition to increased pigmentation, increased vascularity associated with pigmentation is present. A variety of topical treatments targeting pigmentation are available with temporary improvement of mainly the epidermal components of melasma. Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a broadband light source that can target a wide range of cutaneous structures, including deeper pigmentation and vasculature. We describe 5 cases of persistent facial melasma treated with the IPL and a hydroquinone-based skin care system (Obagi Nu-Derm; Obagi Medical Products, Long Beach, CA), showing improvement of facial melasma pigmentation and vascularity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, US Naval Medical Center Okinawa, Okinawa, Japan. lisa.zaleski@med.navy.mil
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zaleski
authors.forename: Sabrina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fabi
authors.forename: Mitchel P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Goldman
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006873:Hydroquinones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D062325:Intense Pulsed Light Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008548:Melanosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D006873:Hydroquinones; C031927:hydroquinone