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Brown spots on the face and melasma

How the structures involved in Melasma differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Melasma differ from normal

Short answer

Melasma is a common cause of symmetrical brown or grey-brown facial patches, often influenced by light and hormonal changes, but changing or scaly marks need assessment.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Typical pattern
Flat, brown or grey-brown patches, often symmetrical
Can intensify with
Light, heat, and hormonal changes
Protect the skin
Sunscreen, shade, and gentle products

How melasma appears

Melasma usually looks like flat, irregular patches on areas such as the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. The colour may range from light brown to grey-brown, and patches are often similar on both sides of the face. Sunlight, visible light, heat, and hormonal shifts can make the contrast more noticeable. Read about [Melasma](/conditions/melasma/) and [Dark Patches On Skin](/symptoms/dark-patches-on-skin/) for related information.

Melasma does not typically create a rough, bleeding, crusted, or ulcerated surface. A clinician may consider sun-damaged skin, post-inflammatory pigment, medication effects, or another lesion when the pattern is unusual. [Uneven Skin Tone](/symptoms/uneven-skin-tone/) describes a related appearance rather than a diagnosis.

Managing visible pigment

Use daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply as directed on the product label, especially during outdoor exposure. A hat, shade, and reducing prolonged heat can add protection. Choose gentle, fragrance-free skincare and stop products that sting, because irritation can make pigment more prominent.

A dermatologist can confirm the pattern and discuss prescription or procedural options. Depending on your skin and diagnosis, these may include [Skin Brightening Treatment](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/skin-brightening-treatment/), [Chemical Peel](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/chemical-peel/), [Microneedling](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/microneedling/), or [Laser Toning](/treatments/laser-and-energy/laser-toning/). Procedures can irritate some skin types, so professional selection and aftercare matter.

When to seek care

Book an assessment if a patch is one-sided, rapidly changing, raised, scaly, painful, bleeding, or repeatedly crusting. Seek prompt care for a sore that does not heal or a rapidly worsening reaction after a product or procedure. Stable, symmetrical pigment can still be evaluated electively when it affects confidence or remains unexplained.

Questions to ask

Does this pattern fit melasma or another pigment condition? Could a medicine, pregnancy, contraception, or thyroid-related issue be relevant? Which sunscreen and topical routine should I use? Would a procedure risk worsening pigment in my skin, and what aftercare would it require?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Is every brown facial patch melasma?

No. Melasma is one possibility; the pattern, surface, history, and examination help distinguish it from other pigment changes.

Can melasma return after it fades?

It can become more visible again when triggering light, heat, hormonal, or irritant exposures recur, so ongoing protection is useful.

Related

Related reading

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.