Melasma
Brent J Doolan, Monisha Gupta
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common disorder of hyperpigmentation of the skin, characterised by brown pigmentation primarily on the face. Given its frequent facial involvement, it has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. Management can often be quite difficult, requiring extensive treatment periods and multiple modalities for ongoing maintenance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to provide evidence-based clinical updates to clinicians, specifically general practitioners, to assist with their everyday practice and effective assessment and treatment of melasma. DISCUSSION: Therapeutic modalities are chosen on the basis of disease presentation, patient preference, treatment periods and side-effect profiles of treatment agents; often a combination of therapies is required.