الفهرس 
INTRODUCTIONOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 87 |  |  |
| | | from | 87 | | |
Abstract
Melasma is a common, acquired, symmetric hypermelanosis, characterized by irregular light to dark brown macules and patches commonly involving the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose, and chin. (1)
The disease is most commonly observed in women; men represent only 10%, all racial groups can be affected but it is most prevalent in darker-complexioned individuals (skin types IV through VI). (3,4)
The severity of melasma is assessed by the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score, which was developed by Kimbrough-Green et al(7).
Histopathologically, an epidermal and a dermal type can be recognized, although frequently there is a combination of the two types which is known as the mixed type. (10) Wood’s lamp examination may be helpful in the differentiation of the previous types. (37)
Although the precise cause of melasma is unknown, multiple factors have been implicated in the etiopathogenesis of this condition. These include genetic influences, exposure to UV radiation, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, estrogen-progesterone therapies, thyroid dysfunction, cosmetics, and phototoxic and antiseizure drugs. (5)
Melasma can have a severe impact on the quality of life by undermining a patient’s psychological and emotional well-being. (20) Women with melasma have decreased (HRQoL). (16) The condition is particularly disturbing to patients because of its location on the face. (17)
Treatment of melasma has historically been challenging, numerous approaches have been used with variable results, (3, 94) chemical peeling is an established technique for treating pigmentary imperfections. (63) It has a low rate of complications and is popular due to the low costs involved and to a technique which is easy to learn. (99)
The aim of the present work was to compare the efficacy and safety of two light peeling agents, GA 70% and modified Jessner’s solution in the treatment of melasma, it was performed on thirty females with a clinical diagnosis of melasma. The cases were selected from the Dermatology outpatient clinic of the Alexandria Main University Hospital.