Learn
Delve into dermatology diseases with new approaches from conventional to complementary care.
Topics
Explore a broad spectrum of dermatological conditions and topics to enhance your practice.
Training Programs
Expert led instruction for every level of patient care.
Log in to see enrolled program content.
Conferences
Gain practical insights and meet new colleagues.
Hover over a conference to view recordings.
Join Us
The largest integrative dermatology community.
Welcome to week 37 focused on managing melasma.
Melasma: Update on Pathophysiology
Melasma is a multifactorial disease, and this lecture will provide an overview of the pathophysiological mechanisms behind the development of melasma. The role of UV, visible light, inflammation, and mast cells will be reviewed.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Describe the major factors in the pathophysiology of melasma
- Diagram the biochemical factors involved in melasma
- Discuss the role of blue light vs ultraviolet light
Melasma: Therapeutics Update
This lecture will provide an overview of the pharmaceutical approaches to the treatment of melasma, including the use of sunscreen ingredients as well as oral and topical therapies.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Discuss the role of iron oxides in sunscreen when assessing protection against melasma
- Describe the major pharmaceutical approaches to melasma
- Summarize oral and topical approaches to treatment
Food and Diet in Melasma
This lecture provides an overview of the studies that have evaluated a dietary approach to facial pigmentation and melasma. Foods that are rich in carotenoids will be discussed as well.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Discuss the role of diet in melasma
- Summarize foods that are rich in carotenoids
Melasma: Botanicals and Supplements
We explore the evidence-based literature on botanicals and supplements for the treatment of melasma in men and women.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Describe the potential mechanism of selected botanicals for melasma
- Outline some potential clinical considerations of using these agents
- Identify some of the potential adverse events that have been reported from their use
Ayurvedic Approach to Melasma
This lecture provides an overview of the Ayurvedic perspective on melasma and approaches to treatment.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Review the Ayurvedic imbalances associated with melasma
- Review topical ingredients used from Ayurveda that are incorporated into hyperpigmentation and melasma approaches
Faculty
Dr. Raja Sivamani is a board-certified dermatologist and practices as an integrative dermatologist at Pacific Skin Institute. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology at the University of California, Davis and Director of Clinical Research and the Clinical Trials Unit.He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the California State University, Sacramento and an Associate Professor of Dermatology at California Northstate University, College of Medicine.He engages in clinical practice as well as both clinical and translational research that integrates bioengineering, nutrition, cosmetics, and skin biology. With training in both Allopathic and Ayurvedic medicine, he takes an integrative approach to his patients and in his research.He has published over 100 peer-reviewed research manuscripts, 10 textbook chapters, and a textbook entitled Cosmeceuticals and Active Cosmetics, 3rd Edition with a passion for expanding the evidence and boundaries of integrative medicine for skin care.
Dr. Peter Lio is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, completed his internship in Pediatrics at Boston Children's Hospital, and his Dermatology training at Harvard where he served as Chief Resident in Dermatology. Dr. Lio is the founding director of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center and has spoken nationally and internationally about atopic dermatitis, as well as alternative medicine.
