What should you know about de melasma?

The patches often appear on the cheeks, forehead, nose, upper lip, or jawline, usually on both sides of the face. They are not contagious and do not usually cause pain or itching. Sunlight and visible light can encourage pigment activity, while pregnancy, hormonal medicines, heat, and irritation may make colour more noticeable. Melasma may be confused with other forms of dark patches or sun-damaged skin, so an examination helps distinguish them.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply as directed, especially during outdoor activities; a hat and shade add protection. Keep skincare gentle and stop products that sting or inflame the skin. A dermatologist may discuss prescription pigment treatments or procedures such as chemical peels, microneedling, skin brightening treatment, or laser toning. These options need careful selection because irritation can make pigmentation darker.

Arrange a dermatology assessment if a patch is new, changing, uneven in colour, bleeding, crusting, or different from the surrounding pattern. Seek advice when pigmentation persists despite consistent light protection, affects your wellbeing, or begins after a new medicine or hormonal change. A clinician can check that the appearance fits melasma rather than another skin problem.

Ask which triggers may be affecting your pigmentation, whether your current products could irritate it, and which treatment is suitable for your skin tone. You can also ask how long to test a plan, how to reduce the chance of worsening colour, and what changes should prompt an earlier review.