http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/melasma.rss http://www.earthclinic.com/template_img/logo.jpg http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/melasma.rss Melasma Cures from the Earth Clinic Community. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:34:35 EST en-us http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=MSMGRAPE_35154 /CURES/melasma.rss1 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:01:55 EST [BETTER BUT NOT CURED] Hayday from Little Rock, Ar writes: "i wanted to share some insight... i recently went to a plastic surgeon's office to get some info on melasma. in my area i have heard the nurse is very insightful. anyways, she said she went to a seminar and she asked the dr about melasma and he said he has patients that are doing the msm (6000 mg) and having luck. they are also combing it with grape seed extract (500 mg). i have been doing this for almost 2 mo now and having some slight fading. i have been only taking 100 mg but will up my dosage asap!! i wanted to share this info as we need as much as we can!!!" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=ZINC_33035 /CURES/melasma.rss2 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT [YEA] Kathy from Dubois, Pa writes: "I've been meaning to post about melasma for awhile now, and your post reminded me to do it. Melasma can be a sign of a copper overload. I had melasma on my forehead and jaws until I added 50mg/day of Zinc Picolinate to my diet. After I did that the melasma faded away. For me, it was a completely unexpected result, but since Zinc balances Copper, my result leads me to conclude that I was too high in Copper. I had the melasma at the same time I was hypothyroid, hypoadrenal and estrogen over-loaded, all of which can lead to a build-up of Copper in the body (as I now know)." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=HORSERADISH_31285 /CURES/melasma.rss3 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:39:21 EDT Jake from Bend, Or writes: "HORSERADISH CURED MY SUN DAMAGE/ MELASMA. I have sun damage/ melasma on my forehead and while IPL worked great on my freckles, it did not work on this. I also tried hydroquinone to no avail. What did work (and I think it has been aided by significantly improving my diet, exercise routine, quiting marijuana, and taking msm, vitamin c, fish oil, multi-vitamin, antioxidants, and licorice as recommended by this and similar sites) more than anything and relatively fast was horseradish. I had had the redness for two years and then started putting an all natural horsedadish on it and it has almost gone in just months. It scared me at first because I put it on 3 times for twenty minutes in a 36 hour period and it got so much darker and stayed that way, so I cursed my decision and fate. However, it peeled off within two weeks, similar to a sunburns peel (and close to what IPL does to freckles) and was lighter. Since then I experimented with the best way to administer it, and I know the goal is to just irritate the skin enough to get it to peel. For me with fair skin, I now cake it on the affected areas and leave it for an hour and fifteen minutes or so and then wait a week while it peels. I recommend starting slowly by doing it once for fifteen minutes and then waiting a week or two to check the effect, Slowly increase either frequency or duration until you know what it takes to get a peel and then go with that. Although it burns fairly painfully to leave it on longer, I prefer one long dose because it's such a pain to put the stuff on and have it on your skin. Just go slow, and trust that it will work, for which I am so grateful to this site and other natural sites for turning me on to. Good luck." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=HYDROGENPEROXIDE_31195 /CURES/melasma.rss4 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 11:18:17 EDT [BETTER BUT NOT CURED] Mcalzada from Encino, Ca, USA writes: "hydrogen peroxide for melasma A dermatologist diagnosed me with melasma and prescribed a cream to use for a month and he said it would only partially help. And that after a month of the cream I would need a chemical peel to lighten the spots. Well of course I did my own research. I found this site and tried the hydrogen peroxide. I just dabbed a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide on my spots. In 3 days they are 90% lighter. A day or two more I can tell they will be gone completly. Thank you for this site. It has saved me time, money, and prevented possible pain. " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=ONION_31086 /CURES/melasma.rss5 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 04:23:18 EDT [YEA] Shirley from Singapore writes: "melasma - I have tried juice of onion with equal amount of hydrogen peroxide as my face toner and in 2 weeks, my 'pigmentation' faded away. Thanks, i love yr website!" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=MSM_30974 /CURES/melasma.rss6 Sun, 16 Aug 2009 04:13:09 EDT [NAY] Becky from Queen Creek, Az, Usa writes: "I have been taking MSM for several months for my melasma and it has not worked. I started out taking 1000 mg. per day and worked up to 24,000-36,000 mg. per day. I have not noticed any difference in my melasma. In fact after a trip to the beach, it got even worse. I have noticed other benefits from the MSM however, and will probably continue to take it. I believe it prevented me from getting sunburned at the beach. Also, it has given me softer skin and it also prevents constipation." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=GSE_30975 /CURES/melasma.rss7 Sun, 16 Aug 2009 04:13:52 EDT [NAY] Becky from Queen Creek, Az, Usa writes: "I tried taking GSE for melasma and it did not work. I took 15 drops in water, 3 times per day. I did that for 2 1/2 weeks and did not notice any difference in the melasma, so I tried increasing the dose to 20 drops, 3 times per day. I could only do that for a couple of days; it tasted so horrible! After that, I tried taking 15 drops, 3 times per day again, but did not notice any difference, and the taste was so horrible, I just could not take it anymore. I don't believe it is a fungal condition that is causing my Melasma. However, if I were to ever try the GSE again, I would take it in capsule form." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=GEV_30701 /CURES/melasma.rss8 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:05:19 EDT [BETTER BUT NOT CURED] Leah from Sardis, Bc writes: "Hello everyone! I am 29 yrs old going on 30 in December. I developed melasma about 2 years ago and have been trying to get rid of it ever since. I have it on both cheeks, nose, forehead, and upper lip. A year ago I tried bleaching creams to treat it.....it didnt work. I thought it was in control over last winter because it was very faint. I left for Mexico in March of this year with of course my 60 spf sunscreen, but 2 days after beeing there my melasma had come out 3 fold and much larger!! I didnt even want to come out of my room. I have been doing alot of reading and have just recently started drinking aloe vera juice and taking 1000mg of grapeseed extract per day along with a multi vitamin and vitamin b. It has been a week and it is working!!!! the melasma on my cheeks has started to break up and on my forhead the size of the patch is getting smaller!! yeah!! I am so excited I hope this works for you! I will try to post another update soon! Leah." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=MRS_30605 /CURES/melasma.rss9 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:16:21 EDT [YEA] Tanya from Los Angeles, Ca writes: "I have been using a combination of the follwoing and it seems to be working: Grapefruit seed extract extra strength, three drops in water with a little juice twice a day. I have found this at most health food stores. With regular strengh you would want to use about 15 drops. A prescription cream derived from vitamin A every other night on very dry skin. You wash, moisturize, wait 45 minutes to an hour and then use the cream to avoid irritation. It comes in cream and gel. I prefer gel as I am very oily. On alternate nights I use a prescription hydroquinone cream that also contains some sort of acid and some steroid cream. I use this only on the brown spots and I do the same as with the other cream... wash, moisturize and wait 45 minutes to an hour. It's gotten a bad wrap, but it works for me. You MUST avoid the sun when using it or they will get worse! I plan to taper off and discontinue this cream when the spots are totally gone. I will report back and let you know if they come back. I know that this cream can't be used for extended periods of time. IMPORTANT: I use a sunscreen containing a physical block EVERY SINGLE day. I say this is important because prior to using this sunscreen the spots would fade and then come back. It's a bummer, but you have to use sunscreen every morning. A physical block sunscreen will contain something like zinc, a physical block, rather than a chemical block. My doctor specializes in melasma and she suggested this. It works. Also, if you are gardening or hiking or at the beach, you MUST wear a hat. It's just part of your life now. You must accept it. Learn to love it. Also, I discontinued the birth control pill which I believed started the whole thing in the first place. I had been on it for about twenty years with no problem and then I woke up one morning with brown spots all over my face. A giant one across my forehead. I believe my hormones shifted as some other thngs started happening like migraines, etc... these have stopped since stopping the pill. I now use a hormone-free IUD. It works well for me. But it does have copper and some people believe copper causes melasma for some people. I do have another theory though. I got the brown spots basically overnight after getting an immunization shot for typhiod fever before going to Egypt. I have heard theories that certain medications like anti-seizure medication and anti-malaria medication can cause melasma. I have always wondered if this immunization caused the problem, but I don't know. I have also improved my diet. It's not strict, but I eat less sugar and starches and more vegetables and fruits. I also consume less dairy now. I try to give my liver a rest now and then and not drink alcohol, but I do like my wine. My melasma is almost completely gone. I am getting the compliments I used to get on my skin before the brown spots. This combo is what is working for me. I think it takes a lot of dedication to get rid of melasma, but I think the changes made are good for you anyway. It's a pain to wear sunscreen every single day and not get a tan, but you won't wrinkle or get skin cancer, so look at it that way. I was on the pill for a long time, but now I am wondering how good that was for me. And a healthy diet is always a good thing. I think a combo of interior and exterior will fade the melasma in many people. Just one or the other probably won't work as well and just exterior probably won't do much for long if the interior problem is still there... like you keep taking the BC pills or going in the sun. BTW, I did try several IPL treatments. Although they made my skin look good for a while I don't think they did anything for my melasma really. They probably aren't worth the money. not for me anyway. Anyway, good luck!" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=GSEMSM_28701 /CURES/melasma.rss10 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:36:10 EDT [BETTER BUT NOT CURED] Andrea from Philadelphia, PA writes: "These postings have been so helpful. I have had melasma for years now and only just learned what it is. I just assumed it was sun damage and that there was nothing I could do about it. It is most noticeable on my upper lip but I also have it above my nose and below my eyes. When I read this information I immediately started on MSM and grapefruit seed extract. I tried to do a before picture but couldn't capture it well so in the first week when I noticed a small clear patch on each side of my upper lip I thought maybe it was my imagination. Now I am 2 1/2 weeks into the process and I have much larger clear patches so I know it is not my imagination. It is by no means gone but it is definitely going away. I was going to wait to post but realized any progress is progress and if my adding that it is working for me could help someone else then that would be a good thing. I take 1000mg of MSM and 250 mg grapefruit seed extract (in pill form) 3 or 4 times a day. So basically with every meal and if I remember I take an extra dose before bedtime. I will check back in. Thank you to everyone who has posted and good luck to everyone just beginning to try!" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=GSE_28227 /CURES/melasma.rss11 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:12:26 EDT [NAY] Vijaya from Hartford, Ct writes: "Hi Everyone, I started taking GSE since May 14th 15 drops 3 times a day. I have seen very little change. I am not figting up hope, i will keep trying for another couple of months and keep you all posted. I had mesalma for a long period of time over 15 years. I will start takig mega doses of vitamin c as well. Please any one has advice?..very desperate..thanks." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=MSM_28100 /CURES/melasma.rss12 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 05:29:09 EDT [BETTER BUT NOT CURED] Stormie from San Jose, CA, USA writes: "After reading these posts I've started taking MSM. I take one 1500mg pill a day and have been taking it for about 3 weeks. It looks like my dark patch is starting to break up - there are little white spots showing up on it. I have severe melasma that covers my whole left cheek across the bottom of my chin, and over to the right cheek. Today I've started taking 15 drops of Grapefruit extract in the morning. I'm hoping to see even more results - I will keep you posted! " http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=RC_28018 /CURES/melasma.rss13 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:30:26 EDT Marquis from Scottsdale, Az writes: "I have melasma because of oral contraceptives and it also comes from the hot sun here in AZ. i have skin discoloring from the sun. how can i get rid of this problem? i am naturally light skin. i have the discoloring on my face, sides of both of my arms, legs, and neck." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=GSE_27867 /CURES/melasma.rss14 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:38:40 EDT Rebecca from Sydney, Australia writes: "I have now got a bottle of liquid GSE extract. For melasma on my cheeks, do I take this internally or apply directly to my skin? Please, if anyone has had success with GSE, let me know how I go about using it for this purpose. Many thanks." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=RC_27485 /CURES/melasma.rss15 Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT Babs from Los Angeles, CA writes: "Hi! I am new to this group but am so glad I happened to stumble on this group as I was browsing the internet. I have read through most of your posts regarding the treatments for melasma/hyperpigmentation. It has given me some hope and I am going to go out and buy the Grapefruit Seed Extract and MSM today. I had a question about the topical application of either horseradish or hydrogen peroxide. I did the hydrogen peroxide this morning and obviously it is still too early to tell. I have mild melasma (about quarter-sized brownish-grayish patches on my upper cheeks). I have only had this hyperpig for several months and am not quite sure what triggered it. I had developed the same hyperpig back in July 2008 but it seemed to somehow clear up. But I stopped by birth control (after 8 yrs) last August and started bio-identical hormones January 2009 and this developed a few months after. Maybe it is because I kept increasing the estrogen to help clear my skin (acne problems as well) and went from 2-4 drops a day to 18 drops. Now I am back down to 6 drops. So I think I may also be "estrogen dominant" since I was on bc for so long and even though the OBGYN said my estrogen was way low, my progesterone was prob even lower. So I am not sure what caused this melasma/hyperpig. I used a product that had whitening agents in it (kojic acid, Giga White and Arbutin) and no results. I also did two IPLs and it removed it about 90-95% but came back darker about a week later. I am currently on 2% hydroquinone, retinol and niacin (derm recommendation) but am not sure if it will help clear it forever. I am very very interested in the hydrogen peroxide or horseradish remedy. ANy comments on which is better??? How do they lighten the melasma??? Does anyone know if the melasma/hyperpig is actually caused by too much estrogen (like from bc or bio-identical hormones) or from adrenal fatigue (which I think I have for sure)??? Also, how does the GSE work to get rid of the melasma (isn't it if only the melasma/hyperpig is fungus-related or all melasma)? Thanks for the input!" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=GMZ_27181 /CURES/melasma.rss16 Sat, 23 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT alexandra from Blainville, Quebec writes: "I can't tell you girls how much you've given me hope to finally get rid of these ugly brown spots.I've had it for 10 years now.Started small but now I have it on my forehead,cheeks,chin and upper lip. I tried peels,creams.Nothing seems to help.I truly believe it's a problem from the inside. It obviously got worse after 2 kids. What I don't understand that even if I put on the highest sunscreen it still gets darker. So now I went and purchased GSE,MSM and zinc. I'm taking GSE 3x a day Msm 1000mg 3x a day Zinc 25mg 2x a day vitamin c 1 x day If anyone thinks I should take more or less please let know. Thank you for giving me hope.I think the hardest thing is that it doesn't get better over night (too bad) I look at my face and wonder if it's working. If anybody has any advice or suggestions please I would love to hear from you" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=MRS_26928 /CURES/melasma.rss17 Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT [BETTER BUT NOT CURED] JDW from Beverly Hills, MI writes: "I am 41 years old suffering from Melasma. I turned to the internet to find remedies to help with my problem. I have it on my cheeks and I am writing on this forum to help anyone out, because someone has helped me. Here's what I tried that did NOT work. First I had 4 IPL (Intense Pulse Light) treatments. They did not work and in fact, made the problem worse. I now have lines going down my face where the laser treatment was on my face. As I said, I turned to the internet and I found that many people who suffer from Melasma may have copper overload. Personally I had never heard of this before. I am working on my master's degree in nutritional science, so I always look for the internal/external connection. Here's what I am doing now that IS working. Internally here is what I take daily. Supplements: 3,000 mg of MSM, Priobiotic (whatever brand you choose, look at the dosage, usually 2 capsules). 2000 msg's of Vitamin C with rosehips, Calcium, Zinc, Magnesium (combined supplement)1000mg so far. Iron supplement (just one tablet) and I eat a ton of leafy green vegetables and as many natural foods that I can. I try to avoid processed foods as much as possible. Here's what I use for the external that really seems to work. Exfoliate with clarisonic brush, use a favorite toner that works with your skin type. You can use Hydroquinone 4%, it works for me, but it makes me nervous, but it does work for me. I also used Meladerm, works well and no HQ. I do this every night, I never go to sleep with my makeup on! I think the key is getting the proper nutrients inside and exfoliating every single day and it does take time but after months I am truly seeing a significant improvement. Put it this way, I don't want to cry now every time I look in the mirror. The IPL treatments put me over the edge that it made it so much worse. Now I am going to try the Grapefruit Seed extract and see what that will do for me. I know that in my younger years I was on the birth control pill, so I know hormones play a role, but my diet of sugar and junk food in my 20's and beyond has had an effect on my skin, I am sure. Now I am just trying to undo some of my past damage and I know I will get there with patience and time. I just wanted to write to see if I could help someone else fight this annoying problem. Good luck and I hope something I've said here helps. JDW" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=HGSE_26725 /CURES/melasma.rss18 Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT [QUESTION] Fernanda from Modesto, CA writes: "i notice that when i ask a question i always get referred back to an old posting can someone give me updated info on horseradish and gse for melasma and exact details as to the use of them or an updated answer as some of these are old answers thanks very much" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=GSE_26374 /CURES/melasma.rss19 Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT [QUESTION] Karen from Richmond, VA USA writes: "I have a question about the Grape Seed Extract remedy for melasma. Do you ingest it or use it topically? Does it interfere with any meds? I have a severe case, 60% of my face. Wear 2 sunscreens and a hat unless it is raining. Tried IPL 2 separate times--spent a fortune. Hyperpigmentation came back worse. I paid in advance to have Fraxel and chickened out at the last minute. The not so common side effects were bad enough to keep me from actually going through with the laser. My skin is wrinkle free at 51 with a nice texture, but.....I currently use Retin-A, Dermalogica Night White, Obagi Vitamin C w/o HQ and some Nivea cream that I found mentioned on a different site. I feel self conscious because my face looks so bad. Make-up makes the dark spots look gray. Appreciate your comments." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=GSE_26090 /CURES/melasma.rss20 Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT [YEA] Raquel from San Francisco, Ca writes: "I tried the Grapefruit Seed Extract, to clear my Melasma, 12-15 drops in water three times a day.. It worked, IT WORKED!!!!!! I'm so happy! Thank you Marea from Dallas.. I've spent thousands of dollars on getting rid of it over the last four years. I tried laser removal, Obagi skin system from a dermatologists office, and every expensive treatment you can buy over the counter.. I still can't believe it when I look in the mirror. It's been a month and there is still some but it's no longer noticeable like it was before. I feel so much better and I don't look like I'm a female walking around with a mustache over my lip anymore.. Thank You, Thank You!!!! - R" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=HORSERADISH_25867 /CURES/melasma.rss21 Sun, 26 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT [NAY] Rob from Baguio, Philippines writes: "I used the horseradish every morning for two weeks now but unfortunately I did see any good result. I even developed this tiny tiny holes on my face that made my melasma even darker now. Just like what the others say anybody who will self treat themselves should think twice. See your doctor first as drugs/medicine work differently among us. Probably horseradish don't work to men like me. I hope i can find something that helps as this is affecting my daily routine. Thanks everyone for sharing." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=GSE_25370 /CURES/melasma.rss22 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT Michele from Denver, CO writes: "Marea.....I've read all of your posts and I am happy that GSE has helped you tremendously. I have tried all treatments except for natural remedies. I am unsure the severity of my melasma (I have it on my upper lip- mustache looking). It seems pretty deep and severe especially if the treatments haven't helped. Also, I have olive skin and the melasma appears darker when I get hot, in the sun (I try to protect my face as much as possible), under stress, worry, before menstrual cycle, or when I sweat. A couple of questions for you...1) can you elaborate more on your internal cleanse to flush out your colon and liver -what did you do? and 2) was your melasma severe? Thank you!!" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=GSE_24086 /CURES/melasma.rss23 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT Sandra from Seattle, Washington writes: "I just want to thank everyone for their input on melasma. I've had a stubborn spot right between my eyes on my forehead for five years now. After reading all your posts, I decided to try the GSE. I've been taking it for two days now and can't wait to see the results. I'm very confident that this will be the solution to my problem. I just might have clear skin by my 40th birthday on May 15 2009. I'll keep you posted on my progress!" http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=MSM_23638 /CURES/melasma.rss24 Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST [BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS] Angelina from Lincoln, NE writes: "I started using MSM about 3 weeks ago because I have had melasma for over and year and was desperate to find a cure. I heard that MSM can help with melasma so I tried it. So far I love the way my skin feels...it is soooo soft and my skin looks clearer. (acne is getting better and my melasma is slowly fading) I THINK!!....BUT I monitor my monthly cycle and this month I did not ovulate. So I have been trying to research what could be happening to my cycle. I can't find a whole lot. Please tell me if you know why this could be happening. I am going to continue using it and see if I ovulate next month. Otherwise,,,NO side effects at all....Love it." http://www.earthclinic.com/Redirect.php?pageLink=/CURES/melasma.html&name=GSE_23572 /CURES/melasma.rss25 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST BILLIE from CALEDONIA, ONTARIO writes: "HI I FOUND THIS WEB SITE ON ACCIDENT, AND HAVE BEEN READING IT FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS NOW. I ALSO HAVE BEEN SUFFERING WITH MELASMA FOR ABOUT 6 YEARS NOW (AFRAID IT IS QUITE DEEP) I HAVE USED IPL ONLY TO CREATE MORE PIGMENT PROBLEMS! I HAVE ALSO TRIED THE OBAGI SYSTEM (NO HELP). I RECENTLY HAVE BEEN LOOKING INTO A MEDIUM DEPTH CHEMICAL PEEL AND LASER PEELS. THANKS TO THIS WEB SITE, I AM CANCELLING THESE APPOINTMENTS. I WILL BE STARING GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT ASAP AS WELL AS VITAMIN C AND ACV. I WILL LET YOU ALL KNOW MY RESULTS IN A FEW WEEKS. I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT EVERYWHERE I GO I NEVER NOTICE ANYONE WITH THIS PROBLEM! JUST ME! IT IS VERY REASURING TO READ THAT OTHERS FEEL THE SAME WAY I DO, AND THAT I DO NOT STAND ALONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I TOO FEEL UNATRACTIVE, AND DEPRESSED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM."