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Medical
Dermatology - Melasma
Melasma is a
common skin condition. Causing
brown to gray-brown patches,
melasma usually appears on the
face. The cheeks, bridge of
nose, forehead, chin, and upper
lip are places where melasma is
likely to form. It also can
develop on the forearms and
neck.
What causes melasma is still
unknown. People with a family
history of melasma are more
likely to develop this skin
condition. Pregnancy, birth
control pills, cosmetics,
hormone therapy, phototoxic
drugs (make the skin more
susceptible to light damage),
antiseizure medication, and sun
exposure often trigger melasma.
Because melasma is common and
causes characteristic brown
patches on the face,
dermatologists diagnose most
patients by looking at their
skin. Occasionally, a skin
biopsy is necessary to confirm
that the brown patches are
melasma.
A variety of creams are
available to treat melasma. An
active ingredient in these
creams may be hydroquinone, a
commonly used skin-lightening
agent. If you notice irritation
or darkening of the skin with a
skin-lightening cream, consult
your dermatologist immediately.
A dermatologist may prescribe a
cream with a higher
concentration of hydroquinone. A
dermatologist also may prescribe
creams containing tretinoin,
corticosteroids, or glycolic
acid, which may be combined with
hydroquinone to enhance the
skin-lightening effect. Another
active ingredient that is being
used to treat other conditions
but also can help fade melasma
is azelaic acid. Kojic acid may
also help fade melasma. A
chemical peel,
microdermabrasion, or laser
surgery also may be used to
treat melasma.
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