What should you know about black melasma?

The phrase “black melasma” usually describes strongly pigmented patches rather than a separate form of the condition. Melasma tends to produce flat, irregular, matching patches on sun-exposed facial areas, especially the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and jawline.

Melasma reflects increased pigment production and distribution in the skin. Sunlight, visible light, hormonal changes, heat, and irritation can deepen its appearance. On deeper skin tones, patches may look dark brown, grey-brown, or almost black, and inflammation from harsh products can add further discoloration.

Other causes of facial pigmentation can resemble melasma, including marks left after acne or eczema, medication-related colour change, and sun-related spots. A patch that is raised, scaly, ulcerated, bleeding, distinctly one-sided, or changing rapidly is not a typical presentation and deserves examination.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and add shade, a hat, and gentle skin care. Tinted sunscreen containing iron oxides may help reduce exposure to visible light. Avoid scrubbing and unregulated lightening mixtures, because irritation can intensify pigment.

A dermatologist can choose topical pigment-reducing medicines suited to your skin and circumstances. Procedures such as a chemical peel, microneedling, or laser toning require careful selection and technique; excessive inflammation may make darker skin more uneven. Improvement is usually gradual, and maintenance matters because triggers can reactivate pigment.

Seek a routine dermatology review if the diagnosis is uncertain, over-the-counter products sting or darken the skin, or the patches are affecting your wellbeing. Arrange prompt assessment for bleeding, an open sore, a new lump, rapid evolution, or a single dark mark with irregular colours or borders.

Ask what supports the diagnosis, whether any medicine or hormonal change may be contributing, which sunscreen features suit your skin, and how to introduce treatment without irritation. Before a procedure, discuss the chance of post-inflammatory darkening and the aftercare plan.