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Melasma is a common and non-harmful skin condition that causes darker patches on the skin, most often on the face. Because melasma is so common among pregnant patients, it is often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy.” While melasma poses no health concerns, it can cause patients to feel self-conscious about their appearance. Thankfully, treatment options are available to restore a more even skin tone. Patients facing melasma in Glenview Illinois and the surrounding area can turn to Dr. Liz Damstetter and the Reserve Dermatology team for effective care.
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a common skin condition that causes dark and discolored patches on the skin. This condition often occurs during pregnancy, in which case it may be referred to as the “mask of pregnancy.” Overall, as many as 90% of melasma patients are women. Patients of color are also more likely to experience melasma. Melasma is occasionally referred to as “chloasma.”
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What Causes Melasma?
The cause of melasma is unclear. Generally speaking, melasma occurs when the melanocytes, or pigment-producing cells, produce too much color in the skin cells. Certain triggers are known to cause melasma. These include:
- Excessive sun exposure and chronic sun damage
- Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy or through taking birth control
- Irritation from skin care products or other skin conditions
- Other light sources, such as infrared and blue light
Melasma is most commonly seen between 20-40 years of age. Patients with fair skin tones are less likely to experience melasma, though any skin tone and any age can develop melasma.
Melasma Symptoms
Typically, melasma presents as symmetric brown or dark grayish patches on the face. These are most commonly located on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, upper lip (“melasma mustache”), or temples. In some cases, patients will also see melasma patches on the forearms, neck, or back. Most patients will notice that their melasma grows darker in the summer and lighter in the winter. Melasma does not cause any symptoms aside from this hyperpigmentation.
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Melasma Treatment Options
In some rare cases, Dr. Damstetter may need to rule out other dermatological conditions by taking a biopsy. However, this is rarely necessary, and melasma can usually be diagnosed simply by visually examining the skin.
Treatment for melasma is not necessary, and the condition will occasionally resolve on its own. However, some patients do opt for treatment for cosmetic reasons. If this is the case, you have several options.
Topical lightening creams can be applied to the skin to reduce hyperpigmentation. These include hydroquinone, which is available with a prescription and applied directly to the skin. Products containing tretinoin, corticosteroids, azelaic acid, or kojic acid can also help lighten dark spots and reduce melasma. A number of skincare products have more natural ingredients to aid in lightening, including an amino acid called cysteamine.
Finally, cosmetic procedures designed to rejuvenate the skin or break apart pigmented cells can be beneficial for melasma patients. These include chemical peels, microneedling, and highly selective laser treatments. Great care should be taken to avoid worsening melasma with treatments.
During a consultation, Dr. Damstetter will review your personal goals for melasma treatment, your skin type, and other factors to determine the appropriate treatment plan for you.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are struggling with melasma and want to achieve a more even skin tone, schedule an appointment with Dr. Damstetter. Call Reserve Dermatology in Glenview, Illinois to schedule your first appointment or contact us online.
