Abstract:
Melasma is a challenging chronic skin condition associated with hyperpigmentation and
unknown aetiology. This scoping review maps evidence of available treatments and their effectiveness
in darker skin types. A comprehensive, systematic online search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed,
CINAHL Complete, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, andWeb of Science Core Collection. All eligible titles
were exported to an EndNote20 library (Clarivate analytics, US). Thematic content analysis was
performed to summarise data on current melasma treatments for darker skin types. The quality of
included articles was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) 2018 version. A
total of 2863 articles were retrieved from the databases, and 10 met the eligibility criteria following
abstract and full-text screening. Our findings demonstrate that topical treatments, chemical peels,
lasers, and tranexamic acid are common treatment modalities used in darker skin types. Although
these treatments may be effective in the short term, they bring about undesirable side effects and
sometimes worsen or result in reoccurrences of melasma. Based on the evidence mapped, current
treatment modalities are not suitable for darker skin types. There are very few studies conducted on
individuals of African descent. Further research is necessary to investigate treatment interventions
that may be user-friendly when dealing with darker skin types.
Description:
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS : The following supporting information can be downloaded at: 10.6084/m9.figshare.21730970 (accessed on 27 January 2022): FILE S1: Table 3: Results from searched databases; FILE S2: MMAT quality appraisal reviewer 1; FILE S3: MMAT quality appraisal reviewer 2; and FILE S4: Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extensions for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist.