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BACKGROUND Melasma is an acquired disorder of hyperpigmentation that is often recalcitrant to current therapies. Microneedling is used to treat scars, striae, and rhytides and has a relatively low risk of post-treatment dyspigmentation. Several studies have examined its use in melasma. OBJECTIVE To review the published evidence on the efficacy and safety of microneedling in the treatment of melasma. METHODS A systematic review was performed. A meta-analysis could not be performed because of methodological differences across studies and data heterogeneity. RESULTS Eight studies were included for analysis. Most studies assessed the utility of microneedling in combination with other topical therapies and detected some success. However, microneedling-mediated transdermal delivery of medications is not superior to microinjections of medications. There is less evidence supporting the use of microneedling as monotherapy. Microneedling, when used with a 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, may provide additional benefit, although with a risk of post-treatment dyspigmentation. CONCLUSION Based on low-quality evidence, microneedling may play a role in the treatment of melasma, with the mechanism of action likely being the facilitation of delivery of topical therapies to the epidermis and dermis, and one ancillary benefit of this approach being the very low risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Background/ObjectivesData on treatment options in pediatric alopecia areata are limited. Topical anthralin has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment option in adults and has minimal systemic toxicity. Prior results on its efficacy in children with alopecia areata have been mixed.MethodsMedical records of 37 patients with alopecia areata who were started on topical anthralin before age 17 were reviewed for efficacy and safety data. Scalp regrowth was quantified by serial photography if available or by medical record documentation if photographs were unavailable. Mean duration of clinical follow‐up was 2.5 years.ResultsMost patients were started on anthralin while continued on prior therapies, including topical corticosteroids, minoxidil, and/or intralesional corticosteroids. Twelve patients (32%) experienced complete scalp regrowth, while 25 patients (68%) experienced at least 50% maximal scalp regrowth with using anthralin. Of the patients with at least 50% scalp regrowth, mean time to first clinically observed response was 3.4 months. Mean time to maximal response was 15 months. Four patients stopped anthralin due to skin irritation. Relapses affected 64% of those with at least 50% maximal scalp regrowth.ConclusionsTopical anthralin provides children with alopecia areata an additional option that offers potential for significant scalp regrowth with minimal systemic effects. Treatment course may need to be continued for at least 1 year in order to achieve maximal efficacy. The efficacy of anthralin may be limited by high rate of recurrence and local adverse effects.

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