Melasma is a common skin condition, causing brown patches, usually occurring on the face. Most common sites of involvement include the cheeks, bridge of nose, forehead, chin and upper lip. Less common sites include the forearms and neck. What causes melasma is still unknown. There is often a family history. Pregnancy, birth control pills, cosmetics, hormone therapy, phototoxic drugs (make the skin more susceptible to light damage), antiseizure medication and sun exposure often trigger melasma. Melasma is often referred to as the “ mask of pregnancy”, it can also occur in men.
Treatment Options:
Professionals at Skinworks can design a regimen of topicals and in office procedures to help fade melasma with creams containing tretinoin, corticosteroids, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, kojic acid combined with hydroquinone to can help fade melasma. Chemical peels, microdermabrasion or laser surgery may be used to treat melasma.
