Melasma is a particularly difficult pigmentation to treat. Though it can never be cured, appropriately treated melasma can be lightened and the cosmetic appearance improved.
Melasma appears as map like brown patches most commonly on upper lip, cheeks and the forehead.
Melasma is caused from sun exsposure + oestrogen which is why it occurs in women and more common while on the oral contraceptive pill.
Sunscreen is the most important treatment measure you can take.
A combination of peel and prescription lightening agent are effective in fading melasma in a high percentage of women.
IPL and other inappropriate treatments can worsen melasma.
Newer Fraxel lasers can be used, however the expense of these means it is worth trialling peels and lightening agents first.
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jerome willoughby responded on 29 Oct 2009 at 4:55 pm #
Hi
I have just been to see a skin consultant and have been told i have malasma
just been looking on the internet at treatments and found your website.
It started off as just a small patch on my forehead and has now spread right across to the other side in the last 6 months. Befoer that i never had it. I really should have seen someone eariler but was embarrased about it. After reading your site it doesnt give me much confidence that anything can be done to get rid of this but i have made an appointment for next friday so maybe there is something that can help. i dont want it to get any worse and hope it can get better. It seems it isnt usual in guys so i was tol maybe its something that im eating or taking since it has only happened in the last 6 months or so.
anyway i look forward to coming next friday
to discuss the options i have
thx
jerome
Dr Joanne Turner responded on 01 Nov 2009 at 5:15 pm #
Hi Jerome, we do want to over promise to people so we try and stay very conservative and not make false statements about getting rid of melasma as this is simply not possible. In saying this we have worked out a protocol for treatment of melasma and everyone does get some improvement in the appearance of the melasma if they follow it, it is just the degree. Sometimes we achieve spectacular results so keep heart it is worth trying and we will work with you to achieve the best fading we can. Jo