Treatments for Melasma

Pigmentations like freckles, solar lentigines, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may be mistaken for melasma.

Read: The Difference Between Melasma, Freckles, & Age Spots

Symptoms of Melasma

Melasma is a form of pigmentation commonly seen in women. It often appears as dark, often symmetrical, blotchy patches on the skin. Women with darker complexions and who are pregnant have a higher chance of developing melasma.

The photo below shows melasma on the cheeks:

Causes of Melasma

• Sun exposure
• Hormones – During pregnancy or while taking birth control pills
• Heat –  It can be generated just by being in hot environments such as a sauna
• Stress
• Irritation from skincare products

Treatments for Melasma

• Get a diagnosis

Firstly, get the correct diagnosis. Pigmentations like freckles, solar lentigines, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may be mistaken for melasma.  An experienced physician would be able to diagnose melasma from physical examination alone.

• Apply sunblock

Apply sunblock diligently is the key! A broad-spectrum sunscreen, one that blocks both UVA and UVB should be used. SPF should be at least 50 and reapplication every 2-3hours is needed.

• Apply topical creams

Use proven treatments like topicals containing hydroxyquinone, retinoids and mild corticosteroids. Other agents that can be added include Kojic acid, Azelaic acid, Vitamin C and Arbutin.

• Oral medications

Some oral medications help treat melasma.

• Stop the oral contraceptive pills

If melasma is brought about by use of oral contraceptive pills, those pills have to be stopped and alternative mode of contraception sought.

• Medical procedures

At Healthsprings, our doctors would recommend a combination of treatments like chemical peel, yellow laser, BBL, Fotona 4D Laser to improve the condition.

Consult a doctor before your melasma treatment

Different lasers and settings are used for different types of pigmentation, and the wrong treatment can worsen the initial problem.