The etiology of melasma is complicated. Although there are many treatment methods for melasma at present, no definite or satisfactory efficacy has been achieved. In recent years, good therapeutic outcomes have been achieved in the treatment of melasma with intense pulsed light. This review summarizes the progress in the treatment of melasma with intense pulsed light alone or in combination with various lasers, external drugs and systemic drugs in recent years.

Propranolol is a non-selective β-adrenoceptor blocker. Various studies have confirmed that it is safe and effective for the treatment of infantile hemangioma. The mechanism of action mainly includes: (1) pericyte-mediated hemodynamic changes and subsequent effects; (2) inhibiting proliferation of hemangioma-derived endothelial cells and stem cells by blocking cell cycle progression, inducing apoptosis of hemangioma-derived endothelial cells and differentiation of hemangioma-derived stem cells into adipocytes; (3) inhibiting the recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells; (4) reducing levels of pro-angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase, etc.