Finacea for Melasma: What to Know

Finacea is a topical azelaic acid medicine. Melasma commonly causes flat, brown or grey-brown patches, often on the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. The medicine works gradually and is intended for repeated use rather than a one-off brightening session. Read about [Melasma](/conditions/melasma/) to understand the condition being treated.

Sunlight and visible light can deepen melasma, and irritation may make uneven colour more noticeable. Dark patches and uneven tone can have causes other than melasma, so a clinician may examine the distribution and history before recommending treatment.

Use Finacea exactly as prescribed on clean, dry skin, applying a thin layer and avoiding the eyes, lips, and broken skin. Stinging, dryness, itching, or redness can occur, particularly when treatment begins. Tell the prescriber if irritation is persistent or if you have reacted to similar products.

Use gentle cleansing and daily broad-spectrum sun protection suitable for your skin. Do not add scrubs, strong acids, peels, or other pigment treatments without checking first. Depending on the pattern and response, a clinician may discuss [Skin Brightening Treatment](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/skin-brightening-treatment/), [Chemical Peel](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/chemical-peel/), or [Laser Toning](/treatments/laser-and-energy/laser-toning/).

Stop and contact your clinician if you develop marked swelling, blistering, severe burning, a spreading rash, or eye symptoms. Arrange reassessment if a patch changes quickly, bleeds, becomes raised, or does not fit the usual flat pattern of melasma.

Is my pigmentation consistent with melasma, and how should I apply Finacea? Which cleanser and sunscreen suit my skin? What should I do about irritation, and when should we review progress or consider another treatment?