What should you know about melasma care?

Melasma causes brown or grey-brown patches, often on the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. Sunlight and visible light can deepen the colour, while heat, irritation, and hormonal changes may make control harder. The condition is not an infection and does not spread by touch. Improvement is usually gradual, and colour can return when triggers are repeated.

A clinician can distinguish melasma from other causes of dark patches and check whether a product or procedure is irritating your skin. See [Melasma](/conditions/melasma/) for the condition overview and [Dark Patches On Skin](/symptoms/dark-patches-on-skin/) for symptom context.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen as directed, reapply when needed, and add shade, a hat, or other physical protection outdoors. Keep cleansing mild, moisturise regularly, and introduce one active product at a time. Avoid scrubbing, picking, fragranced irritants, and unplanned lightening mixtures, because inflammation can leave the area darker.

A dermatologist may discuss prescription creams or an in-clinic option after assessing your skin tone, depth of pigment, and previous reactions. Options can include [Chemical Peel](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/chemical-peel/), [Microneedling](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/microneedling/), or [Laser Toning](/treatments/laser-and-energy/laser-toning/); these need careful selection because irritation may worsen pigmentation.

Arrange a review when patches are new, changing quickly, itchy, painful, bleeding, scaly, or unlike your usual pattern. Seek advice if pigmentation appears after a new medicine or skincare product, or if treatment causes burning, swelling, blistering, or marked darkening. A clinician can confirm the diagnosis before you continue self-treatment.

Ask whether the pattern fits melasma, which triggers matter most for your skin, and how to combine sunscreen with prescribed treatment. You can also ask how long to try each plan, what irritation should prompt a pause, and whether [Skin Brightening Treatment](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/skin-brightening-treatment/) is appropriate for your pigmentation.