MelasmaMELABLUENCT03877445
Study of the Influence of Blue Light Emitted by Computer / Television Screens on Melasma MELABLUE Study
A study testing exposition half-face in people with Melasma, run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice at 1 site in France.
Trial summary
Melasma is a fairly common condition resulting in hyperpigmented macules on the face. Melasma is difficult to treat and has a significant negative impact on the patient's quality of life. Melasma is worsen when exposed to high energy visible light (blue and violet light) of the solar spectrum. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Melasma
- What is being tested?
- exposition half-face
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 12 participants
- Where
- 1 siteFrance
- Study dates
- 11 Apr 2019to 22 Jul 2019
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Female patient, 18 years of age and older, phototype II to V on the Fitzpatrick scale
- Patient with a clinically diagnosed diagnosis of melasma.
- Patient without a serious medical history and declared fit to participate in the medical visit.
- Patient who has signed a written informed consent form before any action related to the study is initiated.
- If the patient is able to procreate, she should use reliable contraception (contraceptive pill, contraceptive implant, intrauterine contraceptive device, bilateral tubal ligation / section, condoms), and agree not to change contraceptive status for at least one month before the start of the study and throughout the duration of the study.
Who cannot join
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or who have planned a pregnancy during the course of the study.
- Patient with another pigment condition on the face.
- Patient who used depigmenting cosmetic on the face in the two weeks prior to inclusion.
- Patient who used a local corticosteroid on the face or systemic steroids during the month prior to inclusion.
- Patient who used local tretinoin or local hydroquinone during the month prior to inclusion.
- Patient who took systemic or topical photosensitizing treatments during the month preceding the first day of the study (1 month or 5 half-lives, the longest possible duration),
- Patient with a history of photodermatoses.
- Patient spending more than 3 hours a day in front of a screen (computer, LED TV, tablet, phone etc ...) for professional or private reasons.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Study of the Influence of Blue Light Emitted by Computer / Television Screens on Melasma Single-center, Interventional, Randomized, Single-blind Study (Masked Investigator) MELABLUE Study
Melasma is a fairly common condition resulting in hyperpigmented macules on the face. Melasma is difficult to treat and has a significant negative impact on the patient's quality of life.
Melasma is worsen when exposed to high energy visible light (blue and violet light) of the solar spectrum. Blue light emitted by LED screens from computers, tablets, televisions and even mobile phones is currently suspected (via media channels) to induce harmful effects on the skin, including pigmentation and photoaging. These screens, however, emit much lower irradiances than those of the solar spectrum, and the probability that these irradiances impact the skin is very low.
Read more
The objective of the study is to assess the effect of blue light emitted by computer/television screens on the intensity of melasma pigmentation. To do this, it is proposed to use maximized conditions that could be encountered in normal daily life, namely a simulation of blue light exposure (420-490nm) at 20 cm from a laptop LED screen, 8 hours a day for 5 days. Since it is not proposed to expose a person for 8 hours a day, a solar simulator with appropriate filters will be used to emit a spectrum of between 420 and 490 nm with a compatible intensity for an acceptable duration of exposure (around 30 minutes a day).
Twelve patients will be included in the study and exposed on a half-face from Day1 to Day5. The other half-face will serve as unexposed control. The effect of blue light on the melasma lesions will be assessed from Day 1 to Day 6 using chromametry and a modified MASI on standardized photographs. A final evaluation visit will be performed at Day 15.
- Conditions
- Melasma
- Being tested
- exposition half-face
- Medical subject headings
- Melanosis
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
exposition half-faceDevice
Patients will be included in the study and exposed on a half-face from Day1 to Day5. The other half-face will serve as unexposed control. The effect of blue light on the melasma lesions will be assessed from Day 1 to Day 6 using chromametry and a modified Melasma Area and Severity Index on standardized photographs
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Melasma Group exposed left half-face by ORIEL solar simulator | Other | Twelve patients will be included in the study and exposed on a half-face from Day1 to Day5. The other half-face will serve as unexposed control. Receives: Device: exposition half-face |
| Melasma Group exposed right half-face by ORIEL solar simulator | Other | Twelve patients will be included in the study and exposed on a half-face from Day1 to Day5. The other half-face will serve as unexposed control. Receives: Device: exposition half-face |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Evaluate the effect of blue light emitted by computer / television screens on the intensity of pigmentation of melasma by Melasma Area and Severity Index scale
Measured: 15 days
Secondary outcomes (2)
Evaluate the tolerance and the possible undesirable effects induced by the exposure in blue light with Melasma Area and Severity Index scale
Measured: 15 days
Evaluate the effect of blue light emitted by computer / television screens on the intensity of pigmentation of healthy skin by chomametry
Measured: 15 days
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Mar 2019
- Study start11 Apr 2019
- Primary completion11 Apr 2019
- Study completion22 Jul 2019
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for MelasmaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de NiceThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator
- Enrolment
- 12 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Thierry PASSERON, MD, PhD, Principal investigator, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03877445
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 19-PP-02
- Acronym
- MELABLUE
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 13 Mar 2019
- Last updated
- 24 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Duteil L, Queille-Roussel C, Lacour JP, Montaudie H, Passeron T. Short-term exposure to blue light emitted by electronic devices does not worsen melasma. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Sep;83(3):913-914. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.12.047. Epub 2019 Dec 27. No abstract available.
PubMed 31887321
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Study of the Influence of Blue Light Emitted by Computer / Television Screens on Melasma Single-center, Interventional, Randomized, Single-blind Study (Masked Investigator) MELABLUE Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03877445
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MELABLUE / 19-PP-02
- Conditions
- Melasma
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 12 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de NiceUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 11 Apr 2019 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 11 Apr 2019 (actual)
- Study completion
- 22 Jul 2019 (actual)
- First posted
- 15 Mar 2019 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Melasma is a fairly common condition resulting in hyperpigmented macules on the face. Melasma is difficult to treat and has a significant negative impact on the patient's quality of life.
Melasma is worsen when exposed to high energy visible light (blue and violet light) of the solar spectrum. Blue light emitted by LED screens from computers, tablets, televisions and even mobile phones is currently suspected (via media channels) to induce harmful effects on the skin, including pigmentation and photoaging. These screens, however, emit much lower irradiances than those of the solar spectrum, and the probability that these irradiances impact the skin is very low.
The objective of the study is to assess the effect of blue light emitted by computer/television screens on the intensity of melasma pigmentation. To do this, it is proposed to use maximized conditions that could be encountered in normal daily life, namely a simulation of blue light exposure (420-490nm) at 20 cm from a laptop LED screen, 8 hours a day for 5 days. Since it is not proposed to expose a person for 8 hours a day, a solar simulator with appropriate filters will be used to emit a spectrum of between 420 and 490 nm with a compatible intensity for an acceptable duration of exposure (around 30 minutes a day).
Twelve patients will be included in the study and exposed on a half-face from Day1 to Day5. The other half-face will serve as unexposed control. The effect of blue light on the melasma lesions will be assessed from Day 1 to Day 6 using chromametry and a modified MASI on standardized photographs. A final evaluation visit will be performed at Day 15.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- Single blind (investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Melasma Group exposed left half-face by ORIEL solar simulator | Other | Device: exposition half-faceTwelve patients will be included in the study and exposed on a half-face from Day1 to Day5. The other half-face will serve as unexposed control. |
| Melasma Group exposed right half-face by ORIEL solar simulator | Other | Device: exposition half-faceTwelve patients will be included in the study and exposed on a half-face from Day1 to Day5. The other half-face will serve as unexposed control. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Female patient, 18 years of age and older, phototype II to V on the Fitzpatrick scale
- Patient with a clinically diagnosed diagnosis of melasma.
- Patient without a serious medical history and declared fit to participate in the medical visit.
- Patient who has signed a written informed consent form before any action related to the study is initiated.
- If the patient is able to procreate, she should use reliable contraception (contraceptive pill, contraceptive implant, intrauterine contraceptive device, bilateral tubal ligation / section, condoms), and agree not to change contraceptive status for at least one month before the start of the study and throughout the duration of the study.
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or who have planned a pregnancy during the course of the study.
- Patient with another pigment condition on the face.
- Patient who used depigmenting cosmetic on the face in the two weeks prior to inclusion.
- Patient who used a local corticosteroid on the face or systemic steroids during the month prior to inclusion.
- Patient who used local tretinoin or local hydroquinone during the month prior to inclusion.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| exposition half-facePatients will be included in the study and exposed on a half-face from Day1 to Day5. The other half-face will serve as unexposed control. The effect of blue light on the melasma lesions will be assessed from Day 1 to Day 6 using chromametry and a modified Melasma Area and Severity Index on standardized photographs | Device | Melasma Group exposed left half-face by ORIEL solar simulator, Melasma Group exposed right half-face by ORIEL solar simulator |
Primary outcome
Evaluate the effect of blue light emitted by computer / television screens on the intensity of pigmentation of melasma by Melasma Area and Severity Index scale
Time frame: 15 days
2 secondary outcomes
Evaluate the tolerance and the possible undesirable effects induced by the exposure in blue light with Melasma Area and Severity Index scale
Time frame: 15 days
Evaluate the effect of blue light emitted by computer / television screens on the intensity of pigmentation of healthy skin by chomametry
Time frame: 15 days
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Mar 2026.
- Results publication: PubMed 31887321Duteil L, Queille-Roussel C, Lacour JP, Montaudie H, Passeron T. Short-term exposure to blue light emitted by electronic devices does not worsen melasma. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Sep;83(3):913-914. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.12.047. Epub 2019 Dec 27. No abstract available.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Thierry PASSERON, MD, PhD principal investigator
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing exposition half-face in people with Melasma, run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice at 1 site in France.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in France. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Evaluate the effect of blue light emitted by computer / television screens on the intensity of pigmentation of melasma by Melasma Area and Severity Index scale (time frame: 15 days). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT03877445, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 24 Mar 2026.