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Melasma All Over the Body: What to Know

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

Short answer

Melasma usually affects exposed facial skin, so darkening across much of the body deserves an assessment for other causes as well as melasma.

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

At a glance

Typical melasma site
Exposed facial skin, often in a symmetrical pattern
Before treatment
Confirm the cause of widespread darkening with a clinician

Why widespread pigment needs context

Melasma is generally recognised by flat, patchy, often symmetrical pigmentation on sun-exposed areas, especially the face. Colour across the trunk, limbs, folds, or many unrelated sites is less typical and may reflect friction, inflammation, medicines, hormonal or metabolic factors, or another pigment condition. The location, timing, texture, and associated symptoms help guide assessment.

[Dark Patches On Skin](/symptoms/dark-patches-on-skin/) and [Uneven Skin Tone](/symptoms/uneven-skin-tone/) are descriptions rather than a final diagnosis. Tell the clinician whether the change followed a rash, injury, new product, illness, or medication, and whether palms, mouth, nails, or eyes are involved.

What to do next

Arrange a dermatology assessment before treating the whole body with bleaching products or strong exfoliants. Bring a list of medicines and supplements, note when the colour began, and take photographs in even lighting. Use a bland moisturiser, avoid rubbing or picking, and protect exposed skin from sunlight.

Treatment depends on the cause and body site. If facial areas do fit melasma, a clinician may discuss [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/). These procedures are not a substitute for identifying widespread pigment first.

When to seek care

Seek prompt medical review when darkening spreads quickly, comes with weakness, dizziness, weight change, persistent itch, pain, a rash, or changes in the mouth, eyes, or nails. Have any raised, bleeding, crusted, or rapidly changing spot examined. Urgent help is needed for severe allergic swelling, breathing difficulty, or sudden widespread skin symptoms.

Questions for your doctor

Ask which body sites are consistent with melasma, what alternatives should be ruled out, whether medicines or recent inflammation could contribute, and whether any testing or referral is needed before treatment.

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

Can melasma affect the whole body?

That distribution is not typical, so widespread darkening should be assessed rather than assumed to be melasma.

Should I use the same cream everywhere?

No. Body sites differ in sensitivity, and treatment should follow a diagnosis and clinician’s instructions.

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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.