Melasma & Skin Pigmentation

Melasma is a skin pigmentation disorder affecting both men and women.  They are commonly seen on the face area as dark irregular patches of varying sizes.  They are often symmetrical on the face.   Melasma is a common disorder, affecting up to 50% of the population in their lifetime.  Although skin pigmentation is usually benign and harmless, they do pose a cosmetic issue to people who may feel that these lesions make them look older than they are. 

There are 2 types of melanoma depending on the depth of the pigmentation;

1. Epidermal melasma affects the superficial layer of your skin and are usually found on the facial area.  They are brown in colour and have a uniform shape

2. Dermal melasma affects the deeper layer of your skin and are usually bluish-gray / brown in colour and have a more blurry border

Causes of melasma and skin pigmentation 

• Pregnancy (affects up to 15-30% of mothers)
• Hormonal changes during puberty or menopause
• Exposure to the UV light in the sun
• Family history
• Thyroid disease

Management of Melasma & Skin Pigmentation

The most effective method to treat skin pigmentation is a combination of the treatment options listed below.  You should consult your doctor or dermatologist to create a treatment plan customised to your condition.  This plan will take into considerations of your skin colour, texture, the amount or extent of the pigmentation as well as the causes such as UV light exposure or hormonal causes. 

The goals of treatment are to;

• Reduce the amount of pigment production in your body
• Restore your skin to your natural colour / tone

Treatment Options (usually in combination as advised by your Doctor)

1. Sun protection by either avoiding direct sunlight as much as possible or applying sun-screen topical lotions.  The sun-screens should ideally have high SPF factor and contain the following ingredients such as Zinc oxide or Titanium dioxide
2. Mild Topical Creams or Ointments containing Azelaic acid or vitamin C are useful to control the pigmentation
3. Stronger Topical Medications containing Hydroquinolone and / or Retinoic Acid and /or Steroid can be used to reduce the amount of pigmentation
4. Chemical peels and laser treatment can be used in addition while using the topical medication

Consult a Doctor or Functional Physician about your treatment options for your condition

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If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention from your doctor or other professional healthcare providers. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.