J Drugs Dermatol
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The treatment of disorders of hyperpigmentation including melasma, photoaging-related dyschromia, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation pose numerous challenges, especially in patients with higher Fitzpatrick skin types (skin of color). Given limitations in efficacy as well as safety and cost considerations of available therapies, a "magic bullet" single treatment modality for hyperpigmentation is currently lacking. Successful treatment typically involves a combination of topical agents with or without in-office procedures, exploiting the different mechanisms of action of each agent or treatment modality. This article will review recently published studies involving newer topical and procedural approaches to this common dermatologic concern.
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In December of 2013 the Food and Drug Administration announced it would look further into the safety and efficacy of the biocide triclosan and requested further safety data as part of a new review with the Environmental Protection Agency. The use of triclosan has increased exponentially since its introduction in in 1972, to the point that 75% of commercial soap brands contain triclosan and 76% of a nationwide sample of adults and children excrete triclosan in the urine. This announcement raised an important dialog about the appropriate use of all over the counter biocides. Particular concerns include whether these biocides are more effective than regular soaps, whether they may create new drug resistant bacteria, and whether they may also act as hormone disruptors in humans or the environment.