INTRODUCTION
Hyperpigmentation disorders, including melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), dermal macular hyperpigmentation, seborrheic melanosis, hyperpigmentation associated with acanthosis nigricans, and solar lentigines, represent a set of pigmentary disorders that are usually characterized by overstimulation of the melanin production pathway, resulting in the deposition of excess melanin in the skin.1-3 The stimuli of melanin production can include hormonal causes, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, endogenous factors (eg, inflammatory conditions), or exogenous factors (eg, mechanical trauma) in PIH.1,3
Pigmentary disorders, including hyperpigmentation, represent one of the most common dermatologic diagnoses in individuals with skin of color (SOC), particularly individuals with African, Asian, or Hispanic heritage.4,5 In a recent survey of 48,000 individuals in 34 countries from December 2022-2023 responding to an online auto-administered questionnaire, 15% (n=7,126) of responders (56% women, 30% Fitzpatrick Skin Types (FST) IV-VI, mean age = 39 years) reported suffering from PIH.6 For melasma, the prevalence in the general population is approximately 1% but has been reported as high as 50% in high-risk populations and accounts for between 4 to 10% of dermatology diagnoses in Central and South America.3,7 The incidence of solar lentigines increases with age, affecting more than 90% of individuals with FSTs I-II older than 50 years.8
Effective treatment options for hyperpigmentation include agents that reduce melanin synthesis or enhance the dispersion and removal of melanin once formed.9 Prior to the passing of the CARES Act on September 20, 2023, 2% hydroquinone
Pigmentary disorders, including hyperpigmentation, represent one of the most common dermatologic diagnoses in individuals with skin of color (SOC), particularly individuals with African, Asian, or Hispanic heritage.4,5 In a recent survey of 48,000 individuals in 34 countries from December 2022-2023 responding to an online auto-administered questionnaire, 15% (n=7,126) of responders (56% women, 30% Fitzpatrick Skin Types (FST) IV-VI, mean age = 39 years) reported suffering from PIH.6 For melasma, the prevalence in the general population is approximately 1% but has been reported as high as 50% in high-risk populations and accounts for between 4 to 10% of dermatology diagnoses in Central and South America.3,7 The incidence of solar lentigines increases with age, affecting more than 90% of individuals with FSTs I-II older than 50 years.8
Effective treatment options for hyperpigmentation include agents that reduce melanin synthesis or enhance the dispersion and removal of melanin once formed.9 Prior to the passing of the CARES Act on September 20, 2023, 2% hydroquinone
