R Cabrera-Alonso1, E Guevara1,2, M G Ramírez-Elías3, B Moncada4, F J González1. 1. Terahertz Science and Technology Center (C2T2) and Terahertz Science and Technology National Lab (LANCyTT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosi, México. 2. CONACYT- Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosi, México. 3. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosi, México. 4. Dermatology Department, Hospital Central 'Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto', Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosi, México.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Melasma is an acquired, facial hyperpigmentation without a specific origin. It is regularly associated with multiple etiologic factors such as pregnancy, genetic, racial, and from estrogen administration. Among the methods to treat skin hyperpigmentation a series of skin bleaching agents have been used. At present, the most commonly used agent is known as hydroquinone. Nowadays, it is known that hydroquinone can cause cancer in animals with unknown relevance to humans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this work, Raman spectroscopy was used to observe the presence of hydroquinone in the skin of 18 patients who have been under treatment for melasma. RESULTS: A significant increase in the Raman signal was observed in the six bands associated with hydroquinone after melasma treatment. CONCLUSION: The authors believe that monitoring the presence of hydroquinone may be useful for an optimal personalized treatment of melasma and to provide the specialist a support tool to control the administration of this type of bleaching agents.
BACKGROUND: Melasma is an acquired, facial hyperpigmentation without a specific origin. It is regularly associated with multiple etiologic factors such as pregnancy, genetic, racial, and from estrogen administration. Among the methods to treat skin hyperpigmentation a series of skin bleaching agents have been used. At present, the most commonly used agent is known as hydroquinone. Nowadays, it is known that hydroquinone can cause cancer in animals with unknown relevance to humans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this work, Raman spectroscopy was used to observe the presence of hydroquinone in the skin of 18 patients who have been under treatment for melasma. RESULTS: A significant increase in the Raman signal was observed in the six bands associated with hydroquinone after melasma treatment. CONCLUSION: The authors believe that monitoring the presence of hydroquinone may be useful for an optimal personalized treatment of melasma and to provide the specialist a support tool to control the administration of this type of bleaching agents.