Melasma is a common skin condition that causes spots. These spots appear on your skin and are typically brown or grayish-brown in color. We’ve laid out options regarding treatment for melasma and tips to consider if you have this condition.
Skin discoloration is the sole symptom of melasma. While melasma usually occurs on your face, it can also appear on other areas of the skin that are often exposed to the sun, like the hands. Areas of the face that may be affected by melasma are the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, chin, and upper lip. Women are more often diagnosed with melasma than men, especially when pregnant.
Does Melasma Itch?
Melasma should not cause an itchy or burning feeling. If you are experiencing itching from melasma, we recommend making an appointment with your dermatologist for a biopsy. A number of other skin conditions, including actinic lichen planus and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, can cause itching and are often mistaken for melasma.
What Causes Melasma?
Two common triggers for melasma are sun exposure and hormonal changes. Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun reacts with melanocytes. This causes the melanin in your skin to darken. UV light can also cause previous spots to reappear. Hormonal changes, whether due to pregnancy, birth control pills, or any other reason, can also cause melasma to appear.
How to Prevent Melasma
Now that you know what melasma is and what may cause it, we’ll explain what you can do to prevent it before exploring the various options for melasma treatment. Since many cases of melasma are due to sun exposure, it is imperative to protect your skin, particularly as the sun is beginning to make a more regular appearance.
The single most important way to prevent melasma is by applying sunscreen. This daily habit will protect your skin year-round. Regardless of how cloudy we may have it here in Pittsburgh, your skin may still be affected by the sun. Applying SPF 30 in the morning and reapplying throughout the day is an excellent way to prevent melasma. If you are prone to melasma it is important to generously reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours. You may also consider wearing sun-protective clothing, such as wide brimmed hats and sunglasses.
If you continue to have melasma, it’s best to discuss your melasma treatment options with a board-certified dermatologist. Below are the most common treatment options, both topical and procedural.
Two Common Topical Treatments for Melasma
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Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a topical melasma treatment typically administered in the form of a cream, lotion, liquid, or gel. A bleaching agent that helps to lighten the affected areas, hydroquinone is the first line of defense in a melasma treatment regimen. You can get hydroquinone for melasma right from our office through Vu Pharmaceuticals. However, in some cases you may need to obtain a prescription from your dermatologist for a product that contains a higher level of hydroquinone.
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Tretinoin and Corticosteroids
Tretinoin and/or corticosteroids can be prescribed as an alternative in your melasma treatment regimen. Similar to hydroquinone, these medications are used to lighten your skin. Your dermatologist can also prescribe a medication that combines hydroquinone, tretinoin, and corticosteroids, called a triple cream.
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Other Topical Treatment Options
In addition to the above options regarding the treatment for melasma, a dermatologist can also prescribe azelaic acid or kojic acid. These options can also help lighten the affected areas. Azaleic acid is available in different forms, including foam, cream, and jelly. Kojic acid is available in creams, lotions, and serums.
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Procedures for Treating Melasma
If a topical treatment for melasma proves to be ineffective, you should speak to a board-certified dermatologist about procedures used for a melasma treatment. These may include chemical peels, laser treatment, or light-based procedures. It’s important to speak with a dermatologist about the available treatment options that are right for you.
While you are an active participant in your melasma treatment by protecting your skin and following the prescribed regimen, it may take a few months for you to see results. Once your melasma has cleared, your dermatologist may recommend maintenance melasma treatment to prevent it from returning.
If you have this condition and would like to discuss your options regarding treatment for melasma with a board-certified Pittsburgh dermatologist, contact Vujevich Dermatology today at any of our locations.
Vujevich Dermatology Associates offers medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology from some of the most highly trained physicians and clinicians in the greater Pittsburgh area. You can reach our team at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to see all of our locations. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of dermatology.