Near-visible light and UV photoprotection in the treatment of melasma: a double-blind randomized trial.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Melasma is an acquired hyperpigmentation on sun-exposed areas. Multiple approaches are used to treat it, but all include broad ultraviolet (UV)-spectrum sunscreens. Visible light (VL) can induce pigmentary changes similar to those caused by UV radiation on darker-skinned patients.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the efficacy of sunscreen with broad-spectrum UV protection that contains iron oxide as a VL-absorbing pigment (UV-VL) compared with a regular UV-only broad-spectrum sunscreen for melasma patients exposed to intense solar conditions.

METHODS:

Sixty-eight patients with melasma were randomized in two groups to receive either UV-VL sunscreen or UV-only sunscreen, both with sun protection factor ≥ 50, over 8 weeks. All patients received 4% hydroquinone as a depigmenting treatment. At onset and at conclusion of the study, they were assessed by the Melasma Activity and Severity Index (MASI; a subjective scale), colorimetry (L*) and histological analysis of melanin.

RESULTS:

Sixty-one patients concluded the study. At 8 weeks, the UV-VL group showed 15%, 28% and 4% greater improvements than the UV-only group in MASI scores, colorimetric values and melanin assessments, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

UV-VL sunscreen enhances the depigmenting efficacy of hydroquinone compared with UV-only sunscreen in treatment of melasma. These findings suggest a role for VL in melasma pathogenesis.

• Authors: Juan Pablo Castanedo-Cazares, Diana Hernandez-Blanco, Blanca Carlos-Ortega, Cornelia Fuentes-Ahumada, Bertha Torres-Álvarez
• Journal: Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine (Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed) Vol. 30 Issue 1 Pg. 35-42 (Feb 2014) ISSN: 1600-0781 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 24313385 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Chemical References

• Sunscreening Agents

Topics

• Adult
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Light
• Melanosis (drug therapy, prevention & control)
• Sunscreening Agents (therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultraviolet Rays