Melasma Treatment at Auro Skin Clinic

The treatment options available for Melasma Treatment at Auro Skin Clinic are:

• First line treatment in Melasma is always history taking followed by topical application creams.
• Detailed guidance regarding sunprotection according to the person’s profession is discussed.
• Sunscreen trial in the clinic for better acceptance and compliance and demonstration of application.
• Guidance on camouflage for melasma by different medical grade products is done. Brand- C tone series is used and orders for the same can be placed.
• Procedures for melasma include Chemical peels, Laser toning at very low fluence and Microneedling by Dermapen-4.

About Melasma

What is Melasma?

• Melasma is an acquired pigmentary condition of sun- exposed skin, often manifesting as dark patches.
• Another term is chloasma which is often used to describe Melasma developing during pregnancy

Is Melasma hereditary?

• No, Melasma is not hereditary, however it is common in other family members.



How does Melasma appear?

• Melasma appears more commonly in women than men.
• It appears as brown, gray or black patches affecting the sun-exposed areas.
• Cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose and chin, are involved usually in a symmetrical manner.
• Often, it may be limited to the cheeks and nose area. Other sun-exposed areas such as the neck, ear and the forearms are uncommonly affected.
• The skin lesions don’t cause any health issues, but pose a significant cosmetic problem.



What should one do if he/she gets Melasma?

• Consult a dermatologist who will conform the diagnosis and start appropriate treatment
• Self-medication with steroid containing creams should be strictly avoided.
• All dark patches on the face are not melasma.

Are there any tests to confirm Melasma?

• Melasma is usually diagnosed by the clinical appearance of skin lesions.
• A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis by simple examination with a Wood’s lamp or dermatoscope.
• Occasionally skin biopsy may be needed to differentiate Melasma from other pigmentary conditions.

What is the treatment for Melasma?

• Melasma responds poorly to treatment. Generally sun protection measures along with a combination of various treatment modalities (topical, oral, and procedural) is helpful.

General measures

• Year-round life-long sun protection: Use broad-spectrum very high protection factor (SPF 50+) sunscreen applied to the whole face every day. It should be reapplied every 2 hours if outdoors during the summer months. Alternatively or as well, use make-up that contains sunscreen. Wear a broad-brimmed hat.
• Discontinue hormonal contraception. Always inform your gynecologist regarding the same.
• Camouflage with skin creams may help to reduce the cosmetic problem.

Topical treatments

• Various skin lightening creams are used in Melasma. Hydroquinone (2–4%) based formulations applied accurately to pigmented areas at night for 2–4 months is useful.
• The most successful formulation has been a combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin, and moderate potency topical steroid. This has been found to result in improvement or clearance in up to 60–80% of those treated. Application has to be strictly as per guidance by the dermatologist.

Oral treatments

• Oral medications for Melasma are under investigation, including tranexamic acid and glutathione.

Procedural treatments

• Chemical peels with glycolic acid, lactic acid, laser therapy with pigment lasers (Q-switched Nd YAG, Q- switched ruby and Alexandrite devices) intense pulsed light (IPL), carbon dioxide or erbium: YAG resurfacing lasers, mechanical dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are used in resistant cases.

Can Melasma be cured? Can Melasma recur?

• Melasma cannot be fully cured, however multiple treatment options available can improve the appearance.
• Melasma tends to recur and recurrence rates are higher if sun protective measures are not adequately followed.