BACKGROUND: Multiple agents are available for the treatment of hyperpigmentation, a cosmetically important condition seen most often in middle-aged and elderly individuals and resulting from exposure to ultraviolet light, certain drugs or chemicals, or the existence of disease. Many skin-lightening agents cause skin irritation and require months of use before results appear, and some agents are only partly effective. OBJECTIVE: To help dermatologists make an informed decision when choosing a depigmenting agent. METHODS: A review of all depigmenting agents used alone and in combination, including its natural properties and information about safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing. CONCLUSIONS: The speed of efficacy and type and extent of side effects vary greatly among depigmenting agents. Knowing the properties associated with each agent enables a physician to choose a product that will best meet a patient's expectations and minimize adverse reactions.
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Rendon et al. (2005) studied this question.
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