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Melasma in brown skin: part 2

Maria Juliet E. Macarayo, MD, FPDS and Evangeline B. Handog, MD, FPDS

Abstract

Melasma, as elusive as it is, has yet to find an agent that will resolve its complexity. How to decrease the pigmentation may not be an enigma, but to get the result every dermatologist wishes to achieve and every melasma patient wishes to attain are the enigma. Hitting the principles of management (i.e. impeding activity of melanocytes, hindering synthesis of melanin, interrupting to eliminating melanin granules, and shielding from ultraviolet rays) known to us, may not be enough. Not only the patient’s condition has to be taken in its wholeness, but the patient’s personality, as well. Apart from taking into account the kind of melasma, the skin color and phototype the patient has, one must also consider prior treatments, expectations and adherence to therapy.

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Melasma in brown skin: part 2