Melasma: A comprehensive update

Melasma is a common disorder of hyperpigmentation affecting millions of people worldwide. While it is thought to be triggered or exacerbated by sun exposure and hormones, much remains to be understood about its pathogenesis. A thorough understanding of the etiology of melasma and the research tools available to study this condition are crucial to enhancing management and developing novel targeted therapies of this often frustrating condition. Melasma is a common disorder of hyperpigmentation affecting millions of people worldwide. While it is thought to be triggered or exacerbated by sun exposure and hormones, much remains to be understood about its pathogenesis. A thorough understanding of the etiology of melasma and the research tools available to study this condition are crucial to enhancing management and developing novel targeted therapies of this often frustrating condition. Application of in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy in melasma classificationJournal of the American Academy of DermatologyVol. 67Issue 1PreviewTo the Editor: Dr Sheth and Pandya's CME (October 2011) addressed the important issue of classification of melasma according to the depth of melanin.1 Traditionally, melasma has been classified as epidermal, dermal, and mixed type on the basis of Wood light examination. However, current studies have suggested Wood light examination may not be accurate to determine the depth of pigment.2,3 There was a poor correlation between classification based on Wood light examination and histopathology, with apparent epidermal melasma after a Wood lamp examination having significant melanin in the dermis on histopathology. Full-Text PDF CME examinationJournal of the American Academy of DermatologyVol. 65Issue 4Preview Full-Text PDF