Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. Well, when I see other people with skin problems, I look at them in a different way, with compassion, because I know what they are living... I know it is difficult for men to look at a woman and think... Well, she has problematic skin but, maybe... maybe she has a good heart. You are right about other health issues being far more serious, like Crohn's disease etc. I actually teach at La Sapienza medical school here in Rome & I translate medical books & articles all the time, so I know that melasma is just a minor "cosmetic" issue. It does not hurt... but still... those first 5 years after the laser procedure were the worst. Now, I got used to living with that, covering with make-up & applying SPF 50+ creams in summer (and we have extremely hot summers here in Rome, Italy). I wish you all the best & a lot of positive energy to your young nephew! I'll be praying for him & for you as well here in the Eternal City...