Study of the incidence and nature of "very subtle epidermal melasma" in relation to intense pulsed light treatment.

Background: Skin rejuvenation with intense pulsed light (IPL) is effective for clearing epidermal pigment disorders. Complications are mild and limited to epidermal burns caused by excessive settings. Some patients, however, experience IPL-induced melasma-like hyperpigmentation despite the appearance of normal skin.