[:en]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.
[:cn]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.
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