Open AccessLasers in melasma: A review with consensus recommendations by Indian pigmentary expert group
Author(s) -
Rashmi Sarkar,
Sanjeev Aurangabadkar,
Thaís Rocha Salim,
Anupam Das,
Swapnil Shah,
Imran Majid,
Mohan Singh,
G Ravichandran,
Kiran Godse,
Shehnaz Arsiwala,
Latika Arya,
Narendra Gokhale,
Nilendu Sarma,
R G Torsekar,
Sidharth Sonthalia,
V K Somani
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
indian journal of dermatology/indian journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.395
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 1998-3611
pISSN - 0019-5154
DOI - 10.4103/ijd.ijd_488_17
Subject(s) - melasma , medicine , dermatology , consensus conference , laser therapy , treatment modality , laser , family medicine , surgery , physics , optics
Lasers have come up as the newest therapeutic modality in dermatological conditions including melasma. In this article, as a group of experts from Pigmentary Disorders Society in collaboration with South Asian Pigmentary Disorders Forum (SPF), we have tried to discuss the lasers which have been used in melasma and formulate simple consensus guidelines. Following thorough literature search, we have summarised the rationale of using the lasers and the supporting evidences have also been provided. It is clear that laser cannot be the first line treatment for melasma. However, it can be used as an adjuvant therapy in resistant cases, provided the selection of patient and counselling has been done properly.