Lasers in melasma: A review with consensus recommendations by Indian pigmentary expert group

Rashmi Sarkar, Sanjeev Aurangabadkar, T Salim, Anupam Das, Swapnil Shah, Imran Majid, Mohan Singh, G Ravichandran, Kiran Godse, Shehnaz Arsiwala, Latika Arya, Narendra Gokhale, Nilendu Sarma, RG Torsekar, Sidharth Sonthalia, VK Somani

Indian Journal of Dermatology 2017 62(6):477-482

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.