Services

• Acne
  • ClearLight
  • Photo Dynamic Therapy
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Pigmentation Abnormalities
  • Vitiligo
  • Melasma
• Skin Cancer
  • Types of Skin Cancer
  • Treatment Options
    • Photo Dynamic Therapy
    • 5-Fluorouracil-Efudex, Carac
    • Aldara
    • Cryosurgery
• Skin Cancer Surgery / Mohs

Melasma

Melasma occurs when estrogen and/or progesterone stimulate pigmentation hormones to produce irregular-sized dark brown or grey patches on both sides of an adult's face. These patches typically appear on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead or upper lip, and occur most frequently in darker skinned women, although it is has also affected lighter skinned men and women.

Individuals with a family history of melasma are more likely to develop the condition, but its precise cause is unknown and a cure has not been found. Changes in hormonal status, such as pregnancy, may trigger melasma. Birth control pills and sun exposure are also known to activate melasma.

Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is one treatment for melasma because it protects against the sun's UVA and UVB rays, which can trigger melasma during even limited outdoor activities such as walking down the street, driving a car or sitting next to a window.

Bleaching creams also work well. These creams don't bleach the skin, but rather decrease pigmentation production. Over-the-counter creams contain low concentrations of hydroquinone, the most commonly used de-pigmenting agent. At Raleigh Dermatology, we may prescribe creams with higher concentrations of hydroquinone for melasma when appropriate, and it usually takes about three months to substantially improve the condition.

Melasma management requires a comprehensive and professional approach. Raleigh Dermatology partners with melasma patients to provide close supervision for a successful outcome. Melasma can be treated using various lasers, such as the VersaPulse® Laser and Fraxel laser. Melasma can also be improved with the IPL FotoFacial™ (intense pulse light) system.