Chloasma, or melasma, is a commonly acquired pigmentary disorder among Asian women. It may be considered as a\nphysiological change during pregnancy. The incidence in Asian women is higher than that in other ethnic groups but\nfurther epidemiologic data are needed. There are very few studies related to the benefits of sunscreens to prevent this\ndermatosis. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the prevention of\nmelasma in Korean pregnant women. We tested the effectiveness and tolerance of a sunscreen product (SPF 50+,\nUVA-PF 30) during a 12-month clinical trial including 220 Korean parturients with skin type III and IV. 217 women\ncompleted the study. Only 3 (1%) of the study population developed melasma, which was mild (MASI grade between\n1.2 and 2.7). In addition, the clinical effectiveness of the evaluated sunscreen was judged ââ?¬Å?good to excellentââ?¬Â by the\nmajority of study participants and by the research dermatologists. The ââ?¬Å?excellentââ?¬Â tolerance of the sunscreen under\nevaluation was confirmed ââ?¬Å?goodââ?¬Â to ââ?¬Å?excellentââ?¬Â in 95% and 97% of cases. This study clearly demonstrates that this\nbroad-spectrum sunscreen is well tolerated and effective in the prevention of melasma in Korean pregnant women. Although\ntreatment remains elusive, prevention is possible.
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