Q. What is melasma?
Melasma is a very common acquired pigmentation of the face , mainly seen in women of child bearing age, but also affecting males. It occurs due to a combination of hormonal and sunlight impact on skin. Typically, it appears as brown or bluish gray discoloration of the skin over the cheeks and nose leading to a butterfly like distribution of the discoloration. The culprit is the excessive collection of the skin pigment melanin. Initially the pigment is in the upper layers of the face. Later, it settles into the deeper layers.
Q. How is it treated?
Melasma is a very challenging condition to treat. Deeper layer pigment is very resistant and stubborn. Also, it is a typically recurrent condition, so that even after successful removal of pigment, chances are that it will return later on.
Medically, skin lightening creams containing hydroquinone, kojic acid, arbutin, azelaic acid and also plant extracts may be prescribed. Orally, very little is available, but glutathione and tranexamic acid show some improvement in melasma.
At TWACHA, although we have several treatments for skin pigmentation, we do not encourage use of Lasers for melasma, as the pigmentation may initially improve with lasers, but may return with vengeance.
The following procedures can give you very good results in your melasma
- Whitening Peels
Remember that treatment of Melasma is a long commitment and you must continue with the maintenance treatments prescribed to you.