Melasma is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing dark, discoloured patches on the face. If you’re struggling with this frustrating skin issue, you’re not alone. As a dermatologist with years of experience treating melasma, Dr Dalia can provide you with valuable insights into melasma causes, prevention, and treatment options.
Melasma, often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy,” is a skin condition characterised by brown or greyish-brown patches typically appearing on the face. These patches are most commonly found on the cheeks, forehead, nose bridge, and upper lip. While it can affect anyone, melasma is particularly prevalent among women, especially those with darker skin tones.
The condition is caused by an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. This excess melanin is deposited in the upper layers of the skin, resulting in the characteristic dark patches. While melasma isn’t harmful to your health, it can significantly impact your appearance.
Here are the primary factors that contribute to the development of this skin condition:
Melasma can sometimes be confused with other skin conditions, so it’s essential to know what to look for. The hallmark signs of melasma include:
If you notice these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult Dr Dalia for a diagnosis.
Melasma can be categorised into three types based on the depth of pigment in the skin:
Diagnosing melasma accurately is crucial for effective treatment. Dr Dalia uses different methods to ensure a precise diagnosis and rule out other skin conditions that may present similarly.
The first step in diagnosing melasma is a thorough visual examination. Dr Dalia carefully inspects the affected areas, noting the colour, distribution, and symmetry of the pigmentation. Melasma typically presents as symmetrical brown or greyish-brown patches on sun-exposed areas of the face, particularly the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and nose bridge.
Dr Dalia also conducts a detailed patient history, asking about factors such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, family history, and medication use. This information helps identify potential triggers and contributes to a more accurate diagnosis.
To further confirm the diagnosis and determine the depth of pigmentation, Dr Dalia might use a Wood’s lamp examination. This special ultraviolet light allows me to distinguish between epidermal and dermal melasma, which can influence treatment choices.
In some cases, Dr Dalia may employ dermoscopy, a non-invasive technique that uses a handheld device to examine the skin more closely. This can help differentiate melasma from other pigmentary disorders like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or lichen planus pigmentosus.
While rare, a skin biopsy may be necessary if the diagnosis remains uncertain. This involves taking a small sample of skin for microscopic examination.
It’s important to note that melasma can sometimes be confused with other conditions such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sunspots, or certain types of skin cancer. Therefore, a professional diagnosis is crucial.
While not all cases of melasma can be prevented, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk or minimise its severity:
While melasma can be stubborn, there are numerous treatment options available. The most effective approach often involves a combination of therapies tailored to your specific case. Here are some of the treatments we offer at our clinic:
These treatments involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to remove the top layers, promoting cell turnover and reducing pigmentation. Common peels for melasma include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels.
This technique uses tiny crystals to gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead cells and promoting collagen production. It can be effective for epidermal melasma when combined with other treatments.
In some cases, oral treatments such as tranexamic acid may be prescribed to help manage melasma from within.
Often, a combination of treatments yields the best results. For example, we might combine topical treatments with periodic chemical peels or laser therapy for optimal outcomes.
It’s important to note that melasma treatment requires patience and consistency. Results are not immediate, and it may take several weeks or months to see significant improvement. Moreover, maintenance treatments are often necessary to prevent recurrence.
In addition to professional treatments, there are several things you can do at home to manage your melasma:
While some cases of melasma may improve with over-the-counter treatments and lifestyle changes, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist if:
At Cheshire Cosmetic Surgery, Dr Dalia offers comprehensive evaluations to determine the best course of treatment for your individual case. Schedule a consultation today for diagnosis and treatment for melasma.
While melasma is more common in women, men can indeed develop this condition. Male melisma accounts for about 10% of all melasma cases. In men, it’s often linked to sun exposure and genetics rather than hormonal factors.
No, melasma is not contagious at all. It’s a condition that occurs due to internal factors like hormones and genetics, as well as external factors like sun exposure. You cannot ‘catch’ melasma from someone else or spread it to others through contact.
While there’s no specific diet proven to cure melasma, some foods may help support overall skin health. Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids may help protect your skin from damage. Some studies suggest that foods rich in folic acid, like leafy greens and citrus fruits, might help with pigmentation issues. However, diet alone is not a substitute for medical treatment.
Yes, it’s generally safe to use makeup to cover melasma. In fact, Dr Dalia often recommends using cosmetics with added sun protection as an additional defence against UV rays. Look for non-comedogenic, fragrance-free products to minimise skin irritation. Mineral-based makeup can be particularly good as it often includes natural sun-blocking ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
In many cases, pregnancy-induced melasma (also known as chloasma) can fade on its own within a few months after delivery or once you stop breastfeeding. However, this isn’t guaranteed for everyone. Some women may find that their melasma persists and requires treatment. Continued sun protection is essential during this time to prevent the condition from worsening or becoming more permanent.