Oral communication, iL15

Official XXIst International Pigment Cell Conference website - 21-24 Sept 2011, Bordeaux - France | updated: September 04 2011

Treatment of hyperpigmentary disorders in Asian skin

Hyperpigmentation is a manifestation of melasma, senile lentigo, freckle, and nevus so on. Melasma will be a typical example of pigmentary disorders. It is difficult to treat and is often refractory. Conventional treatments include sunscreens, bleaching creams, azelaic acid, topical retinoids, and facial peels where an acid solution is used to remove outer layers of the skin. Vitamin C iontophoresis can be another choice. Some treatment incorporates a combination approach including triple-combination cream (hydroquinone, tretinoin, and steroids). However, there is no gold standard in the treatment of melasma. Among topical agents, triple-combination cream is effective when compared to hydroquinone alone or dual-combination cream. However, adverse responses are quite common. Recently, QS 1,064nm Nd-YAG laser has increasingly been performed as “laser toning”, or “laser facing”, for melasma in Asian countries. Clinical effects seemed to be promising but the depigmentation can appear. In addition, it is also reported that fractional photothermolysis is a safe and effective treatment for refractory melasma. However, it is also reported that non-ablative fractional laser therapy is not recommended because of the high rate of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Thus, it is very confusing to find out the best way for the treatment of melasma. In addition, oral agents such as tranexamic acid are also reported to be effective. In addition to melasma, there are various kinds of pigmentary disorders. Solar lentigo is correlated directly with increasing age and UV. Thus, solar lentigo is common in individuals who sunburn easily and do not tan, But, Asian women also have high incidence of solar lentigo. They usually appear as mottled pigmentation. For the treatment of lentigo, Nd-Yag laser are used. IPL can be another modality which is commonly used effectively and safely for the treatment of pigmentation. However, rejuvenation treatment is necessary using fractional laser or related technology for the extensive treatment or prevention. In this presentation, choices of treatment modality and brief underlying pathogenesis will be discussed.

Advertisement from our sponsor: