title: A review of melasma treatment focusing on laser and light devices.
abstract: Melasma is a pigmentary disorder of unclear etiology with numerous treatment options and high recurrence rates. Laser and light therapies may be utilized cautiously as second- or third-line options for recalcitrant melasma, but low-energy settings are preferred due to the risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma stimulation. Commonly used lasers include the low-fluence 1064-nm Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser, nonablative fractionated lasers, and intense pulsed light. Strict sun protection, concomitant use of bleaching agents, and maintenance treatments are necessary. A variety of other treatments that may also help to improve results are now being more widely adopted, including oral tranexamic acid, pulsed dye laser, antioxidants, and laser-assisted drug delivery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Texas, McGovern School of Medicine and MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Janet Y
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth Rc
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Geddes
authors.affiliation: Connecticut Dermatology Group, Norwalk, Connecticut, USA.|Department of Dermatology, Yale University, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
authors.forename: Deanne M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Texas, McGovern School of Medicine and MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.|Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center, Houston, Texas, USA. drpaul@dermlasersurgery.com.|Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Paul M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Friedman
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008548:Melanosis / Q000628:therapy*; D010789:Phototherapy
keywords: fractional lasers; intense pulsed light; laser; laser-assisted drug delivery; melasma; pulsed dye laser; q-switched; tranexamic acid