Introduction
According to Dr Richard Nahas, melasma is a skin condition where blue-grey and brown patches or freckle-like spots are formed on the skin. It happens when there’s a higher production of cells that alters the colour of your skin. It is harmless and common and fades away naturally within a few months. Let’s check out the treatment methods for melasma.
The Methods
Sun protection – There is no one method of treating melasma and dermatologists may recommend you one or more methods. One of them is sun protection. Sunlight causes the skin to create more pigment and that can darken existing melasma and create new patches. That’s why dermatologists would recommend ways to protect your skin from the sun.
They include seeking shade while outside, wearing wide-brimmed hats and applying an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen throughout the day. You may be recommended to use broad-spectrum sunscreens that have titanium oxide, zinc oxide, or iron oxide. Sun protection also keeps melasma from returning back once it’s gone.
Medication – Apart from sun protection, your dermatologist may also provide you with medication to decrease excess pigment in your skin cells. You may be recommended one or more of the following medications:
- Tretinoin and a mild corticosteroid – This combination includes a retinoid and an anti-inflammatory agent to even out your skin tone.
- Hydroquinone – The most common medication for melasma. It evens out the skin tone and products containing this compound can’t be bought without a prescription.
- Kojic acid, Azelaic acid, and Vitamin C – These products are gentler on your skin and are usually recommended when you have a very mild melasma problem.
- Combination cream – A triple combination cream consisting of corticosteroids to fight against inflammation, tretinoin and hydroquinone to even out the skin tone.
- Medical procedures – Your dermatologist may also add one or more treatment procedures if you have stubborn melasma. You may be recommended a chemical peel procedure where your dermatologist applies a chemical solution to the melasma to remove excess pigment. Other less invasive treatment procedures include micro-needling where microscopic tears are created in your skin to stimulate the skin’s natural healing power and create an even skin tone. You may also opt for laser and light treatments if you have the budget for them.
Studies show that stubborn melasma that refuses to go away even with medication, can be treated quicker with laser and light treatments. You need to keep in mind that melasma isn’t covered by insurers and no matter the process you choose to treat it, you’ll need to pay out of pocket. So, if money isn’t an issue, you may opt for treatment with platelet-rich plasma. In this process, a small amount of your blood is extracted, placed into a machine and separated into layers. After that, the extracted plasma layer into the skin.
Conclusion
Dr Richard Nahas suggests that if melasma isn’t affecting your self-confidence a great deal, you don’t need to be bothered by it. It is harmless and should be fixed within a few months. Otherwise, you can opt for the above-mentioned treatments.
