No Cure For Melasma Yet Symptoms Can Be Controlled

By Nuha Handoush, Laser Technician

Astoria Laser Clinic & Med Spa

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No Cure For Melasma Yet Symptoms Can Be Controlled

Summer has come and gone, but our epidermis is thankful that cooler months are not so far away. The sun and its intense heat can be the mortal enemy of the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis) that is the forefront in the war against sun damage and melasma.

Melasma is typically characterized by dark patches on the skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 90 percent of those affected are women. No one knows exactly what causes melasma, however experts agree that exposure to sunlight is considered to be a major factor and have found certain commonalities among individuals with this condition.

As skin problems go, melasma is pretty common. It mainly affects the face although it can be found on other areas of the body exposed to the sun. Estrogen, pregnancy, and birth control pills have also been associated with this condition.

In addition to protecting are skin by limiting its exposure to the sun, there are a variety of procedures that have been prescribed, although the effects of some of these treatments may be questionable.

To get rid of those brown patches caused by melasma, lasers may be used, but the results are often temporary, having to be frequently repeated and, in some cases, can make matters worse. Your doctor can prescribe specially formulated creams containing hypopigmenting agents like hydroquinone that can lighten the brown patches on the skin. Other options include stripping away the top layers of the skin to help lighten the patches including chemical peels, dermabrasion, and microdermabrasions.

It is important to remember that there is no current procedure that guarantees the absence of melasma forever or that the patches will be completely lightened.

And, while you may need to return to your aesthetician for follow-up treatments, it is more important that you follow skin treatment guidelines, especially those regarding sun exposure, to minimize melasma's return. If you are pregnant, you should talk to a doctor, as there is risk to the fetus.

The good news is that individuals who have had treatments for melasma have reported a better quality of life due to feeling better about themselves and their appearance.

So talk to your doctor and your medical aesthetician, because with the proper care, your skin can still see brighter days.