Melasma causes dark skin blotches that are front-and-center on the face, so it’s a frustrating issue for many people. At Associates in Dermatology, empathetic board-certified dermatology experts offer effective treatments to reduce the skin discoloration and help stop melasma from worsening. There are three offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Punta Gorda, Florida, so call the nearest one or book your visit online today.
Melasma causes facial skin discoloration. It may first show up as dark blotches or spots on your skin, and it’s especially common in the cheeks, forehead, and chin areas.
At first, you might think that melasma is a patch of freckles or age spots, and understandably so: All of these are related to extra pigment — the substance that gives color to your skin.
However, melasma is generally wider spread than freckles or age spots. It’s not very common, but you can also experience melasma in your arms, neck, or other areas.
People with melasma have overactive melanocytes (the skin cells that make pigment). The melanocytes start overproducing in some areas, leading to the uneven appearance. The root cause of this is still being researched.
People who are prone to melasma may develop the condition when exposed to certain triggers, such as:
Pregnancy is a very common melasma trigger due to the hormone surges during those months. In fact, it affects up to half of pregnant women and is sometimes called “the mask of pregnancy,” even though you don’t have to be pregnant to experience it.
Associates in Dermatology provides personalized melasma treatment plans that are safe and effective. The team starts with a complete skin evaluation to diagnose your condition. Then, they explain the treatment choices.
There’s no cure for melasma, but a two-part treatment process can decrease the discoloration dramatically. This includes:
Sun protection is a must for people with melasma. You need to wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher during the day, and shield your face with a wide-brimmed hat. This keeps your melasma from worsening.
Prescription creams can help fade melasma, reduce inflammation, and even out your skin tone. The team may prescribe a combination cream for best results. If you’re pregnant, they prescribe only medications proven safe during pregnancy.
Alongside your sun protection and topical medications, good skin care is important for anyone who has melasma. Associates in Dermatology offers a wide range of premium skin care products from EltaMD®, Obagi® Medical, SkinCeuticals®, and skinbetter science®.
Do you have a melasma mask? Associates in Dermatology is here to help, so call the nearest office or book your appointment online today.