Human Skin Information Portal For Professionals

Melasma Treatments

Melasma is a dark skin discoloration that appears on sun-exposed areas of the face.
It can be caused by sun light,internal hermonal problem,women's reproductive system problems,thyroid problem etc.,

For men sunlight is main causing factor.

Please check with gynecologist,endocrinologist if you have any above mentioned problems. Melasma may not be treated effectively if you don't treat those condition first.

Avoid sun exposure cuz its one of the main causing factor. You can use mask,hat/cap,sunscreen,sunblock to avoid sun.
Treatment:
USE Sunblock with SFP any numbers from 15 to 50 which fits best for you.
If you have dry skin use lotion based or if you have oily skin use gel or water based sunblock.

Sunblock works effectively for 2 to 4 hours only depending upon brands.
Re-apply sunblock again if you need to stay out after 2-4 hrs of applying it.
Check Sunblock bottle for more instructions.

Use sunblock once in morning at 8/9 am even if you don't need to go out (just for safety)

Medicine:
Use Kligman's formulated creams like Melacare etc,
(hydroquinone (HQ), 0.1% tretinoin, and 0.1% dexamethasone)

apply it at 6pm evening and wash it before going to sleep (use for 4-5 hours and wash)
Apply gently over melasma area only. do not rub.

if this cream causes irritation try following:
Mix hydroquinone cream and dexamethasone cream and apply.

Using excessive amount of these medication can cause skin redness.
So use them in small amount only.

Also you cannot use them beyond 2 months period.
Stop using it before 2 months if your pigmentation are gone.

You can take Multivitamin capsule containg VIT A,C,E once at night in alternate months.

You can also use commercial creams like Olay Total effects as night cream after you wash your medicine from face.

In addition to that use Skin whitening face wash twice daily for best result..

If you use them as directed you pigmention will be gone in 1/2 months.
But you have to use sunblock lotion/gel/cream forever else it can come back anytime.
You can try laser or other methods if this treatment fails.

DISCLAMER:
PLEASE CHECK YOUR SKIN PROBLEMS WITH DERMATOLOGIST AND TAKE MEDICINE AS DIRECTED BY THEM.DO NOT TRY THESE PRESCRIPTION ON YOUR OWN.
WE'RE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY RESULTS BY TRYING MEDICATION MENTIONED HERE.
PLEASE BE AWARE OF SIDE EFFECTS/INDICATION/CONTRAINDICATION BEFORE USING ANY MEDICINE.