Are discolored patches appearing on your face? Brown or blue-gray patches, or spots resembling freckles, may result from melasma.
Fortunately, melasma often responds to treatment. While there is no cure for melasma, it is possible to keep it under control. While melasma is not harmful, this form of hyperpigmentation can make patients feel self-conscious.
For best results, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Treatment results are not as effective with patients who have had melasma for a long time. Learn more about melasma and treatment options from Dr. Sarah Saxon in Austin & Dallas, Texas.
Also known as chloasma, melasma results from the excess production of melanocytes, the cells that give skin its color.
Individuals with darker complexions are more likely to develop melasma, but those with fair complexions are also vulnerable. It is not unusual for melasma to worsen in the summer due to heavier sun exposure, then fade somewhat in the winter. Melasma may come and go. However, it is not painful and does not cause itching or other reactions.
Women are much more likely to develop melasma than men. That’s especially true of pregnant women. That’s because the amount of estrogen and progesterone hormones increased in pregnant women. These hormones boost melanin production.
Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy may also trigger melasma. Sun exposure is another culprit. The sun’s UV rays also affect melanin production. That holds true for tanning beds as well. People with thyroid issues may experience melasma as a side effect. In addition, stress can worsen an outbreak. Other medications that may cause melasma include:
Melasma generally appears on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead. It also frequently appears on the forearms. Less often, it develops elsewhere on the body. There are three types of melasma:
Keys to keeping melasma under control include:
In addition, regular skin maintenance treatments that treat pigment, improve cell turnover, and increase collagen production can help keep melasma at bay.
Sunscreen and bleaching creams are among the most common forms of over-the-counter melasma treatment. Topical medical skincare therapies for treating melasma include:
Treatments for melasma include:
Keep in mind that certain melasma treatments are not recommended for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding. Overall, the side effects of melasma treatment are relatively mild, with dryness or tenderness the most reported concern.
If you are experiencing melasma symptoms, contact Dr. Sarah Saxon today to schedule a consultation.
For some patients, melasma is a lifelong or chronic condition. For others, the discoloration eventually fades.
Melasma is relatively common. About 200,000 people are diagnosed with melasma each year.
Yes, melasma often goes away on its own. That’s especially true after pregnancy or if a medication causing the condition is no longer taken.
Insurance will not cover most melasma treatments. However, there are treatment options that insurance may cover.
Melasma is called “the mask of pregnancy.” Its appearance is due to hormonal changes.
Make your tomorrow beautiful. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Saxon about facial plastic surgery in Texas. Dr. Saxon will answer all your questions in a caring manner and help you create a plan to bring your ideal looks to life!