1. Educational purpose
The information on this website is provided for general education about pigmentation, pigmented lesions, and their treatment. It is not a substitute for a personal consultation, examination, and diagnosis by a qualified dermatologist.
2. No guaranteed outcomes
Pigment conditions are frequently chronic and relapsing, and treatment results vary from person to person. No dermatologist can guarantee a specific outcome, complete clearance of a pigment condition, or a cure, and melasma in particular is managed rather than cured. Visible improvement usually takes months rather than weeks. Any description of typical treatment courses, timelines, or results on this site is general and may not apply to your individual situation.
3. Risks of procedural treatment
Laser, light, and peeling treatments for pigmentation carry real risks, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, blistering, textural change, and scarring. Some skin types are more prone to darkening after treatment, and melasma can worsen after an aggressive procedure. The risks, the alternatives, and the option of no treatment should be discussed before you consent.
4. Prescription treatment and supervision
Some agents described here, including hydroquinone and retinoids, require medical supervision, and lightening products obtained from unregulated sources have been found to contain corticosteroids or mercury that can cause lasting harm. Nothing on this site is a prescription, a dose, or a substitute for medical supervision.
5. Seek professional advice
If you have a medical concern about a pigmented lesion described here — especially a spot that is changing, bleeding, itching, or failing to heal — please arrange a consultation with a qualified dermatologist before any treatment. Pigmented lesions should be diagnosed before they are lightened, lasered, or frozen.
6. External links
Links to external websites are provided for convenience. We are not responsible for the content of external sites.