What is Melasma, and What Are The Best Ways to Treat It? 

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a common skin disorder in which patients notice brown, blue, or gray-brown patches on their faces, especially on the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip. The patches don't have a particular shape. Melasma usually gets darker in the summer and lighter in the winter.

Another popular name for Melasma is 'the mask of pregnancy' since it often affects women during their pregnancy period.

Melasma Diagnosis?

Dermatologists can often diagnose Melasma just by closely examining the patient's face and neck. However, for more precision and accuracy, they usually use a special device called a dermatoscope. They place it on the patient's skin, allowing them to see the extent to which the darker pigment has reached the layers of the skin. This information is essential as they'll need it in the treatment process.

To ensure that the patient is affected by Melasma (and not another similar skin condition), dermatologists tend to go the extra mile and conduct a simple skin biopsy.

Symptoms of Melasma

As we just stated, Melasma develops mainly on the face (upper lip, forehead, cheeks, etc.). Unlike other skin diseases, Melasma doesn't cause any pain or discomfort to patients. Here are the symptoms of Melasma:

• Discolored patches: Brown, blue, or gray-brown patches on the skin.
• Patches can be seen on both sides of the face.
• Melasma can cover large areas of the face and even extend to the neck and forearms.
• Melasma can be more noticeable in some areas of the face than others.
• The more patients are exposed to the sun, the worse and more noticeable the Melasma becomes.
• Hormonal changes can worsen Melasma, especially during pregnancy, with oral contraceptives or hormone therapy.

What are the types of Melasma?

When it comes to the types of Melasma, Dermatologists list three, and they are distinguished based on the depth of the pigment on layers of the skin. Here are the three types:

Epidermal Melasma

Affects the outermost layer of the skin and is characterized by dark brown patches that are more easily treated.

Dermal Melasma

Affects the deeper layers of the skin, appearing as light brown patches, and it's the hardest to treat.

Mixed Melasma

This is the most common of the three. It combines features of epidermal and dermal Melasma and has a mixed pattern of dark brown and bluish patches.

Is Melasma a Curable Skin Condition?

Melasma can definitely be treated, it's however considered a chronic condition which means it may not disappear once and for all.

While it may not be curable in the traditional sense, different treatments, such as topical medications, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser therapy, and sun protection measures, can help manage and improve the appearance of Melasma.

Dermatologists always suggest combining several treatments and sun protection to achieve optimal results. But in all cases, melasma treatment is surely not a one-time fix, so patients should know that it's ongoing.

Consulting an experienced dermatologist is necessary in the patient's journey because each person will need a customized treatment plan based on their case and symptoms to treat Melasma.

It also goes without saying that maintaining a good skincare routine and avoiding sun exposure can help prevent Melasma from getting worse.

Best Treatments for Melasma

Several options are available today for treating Melasma, and the best treatment will ultimately depend on factors like the severity of the condition, the type of Melasma, skin type, and the patient's preferences.

Here you have some effective melasma treatments:

Topical Treatments:

This treatment involves the use of creams containing ingredients such as hydroquinone, retinoids, corticosteroids, or a combination of these. Their goal is to lighten the skin and reduce pigmentation over time.

Chemical Peels: 

Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin, causing it to exfoliate and eventually remove the outer layers of discolored, dead skin to reveal new, healthy skin. This process can help improve the appearance of Melasma by removing the top layer of pigmented skin.

Microdermabrasion: 

This treatment entails using a device to gently exfoliate the outer layer of the skin. It helps reduce pigmentation and improve skin texture.

Laser Therapy: 

Various types of laser treatments, such as fractional laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, can target and break down melanin pigments in the skin and help reduce melasma patches.

Sun Protection: 

Sun protection is an essential part of treating Melasma, so using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF on a daily basis and avoiding sun exposure will definitely help prevent Melasma from getting worse.

Combination Therapy: 

Dermatologists often recommend combining different treatments for optimal results. For example, combining topical treatments with procedures like chemical peels or laser therapy can deliver more effective results.

Treating Melasma in Qatar At Al Siraj Medical Center

And if you're looking for a place to treat Melasma, the choice is clear, look no more than Al Siraj Medical Center. From expert dermatologists, to state-of-the-art machines and cutting edge facilities, our medical center is the preferred destination for hundreds of patients based in  Doha and Qatar in general. 

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But we’re sure you still have a ton of doubts and questions about Melasma. Well, what are we here for? Contact us by phone at +974 4449 3666 or fill out the appointment form if you’ve got some spare time 

Melasma FAQs

• Does Melasma go away?

Melasma may go away on its own only when it's caused by a trigger, such as pregnancy or medication.

• How do you stop Melasma from getting worse?

To prevent Melasma from worsening, avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, LED screens, irritating soaps, and birth control, which includes hormones.

• Can Melasma be cancerous?

Melasma is not cancerous or a symptom of cancer. However, there are skin cancers that may have similar signs of Melasma, so it's better to pay a visit to your dermatologist to have a right and precise diagnosis.