Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40022484›Full record

ReviewInternational journal of dermatology2025

Pathogenesis of Melasma Explained.

Lara Ali, Firas Al Niaimi

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in International journal of dermatology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 16 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
16citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

16 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

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  4. Moranoline-EnrichedInternational journal of molecular sciences · 2026
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Lara AliBarking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Romford, United Kingdom.
Firas Al NiaimiAalborg University Hospital, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7743-822X

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

This review provides an in-depth analysis of the pathophysiology of melasma and highlights recent studies that elucidate its underlying mechanisms. Given the prevalence of melasma, a thorough understanding of its pathogenesis is critical for the development of effective treatment strategies. We analyzed the current literature to identify findings related to epidermal changes, basement membrane (BM) alterations, and various dermal modifications, including solar elastosis, mast cell activity, and vascular changes. We also examined the influence of visible light (VL) and hormonal fluctuations on melasma. This review intertwines these insights with an overview of contemporary treatment approaches. Our findings indicate advancements in understanding melasma's pathophysiology, highlighting significant changes in the epidermis and BM, along with dermal factors, such as vascular alterations, mast cell involvement, and senescent fibroblasts. We review the established mechanisms in the pathogenesis of melasma while incorporating recent scientific updates. Additionally, a survey of the available treatments targeting these novel mechanisms revealed promising therapeutic modalities currently under investigation. In conclusion, understanding the latest pathophysiological insights is crucial for enhancing clinician awareness and patient reassurance, as well as improving therapeutic strategies. Nevertheless, ongoing research remains essential to elucidate the complexities of melasma further and optimize clinical outcomes.

Indexed as

MelanosisBasement MembraneEpidermisFibroblastsHumansMast CellsSkinepidermal changesmelanogenesismelasmasenescent fibroblastsvascular alterations

Identifiers

PMID40022484
PMCPMC12207721

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.