What should you know about melasma on skin?

Melasma is a pigment condition, not a surface growth. It commonly looks like tan, brown or grey-brown colour with no scale or open wound. Facial areas may show matching or irregular patches, while colour on other exposed skin needs careful assessment because sun-related pigment, inflammation and other conditions can look alike.

The shade may vary with exposure to daylight, heat and skin irritation. A clinician reviews onset, medicines, hormones, pregnancy history and products before confirming the cause. Do not diagnose a changing mark from colour alone.

Protect exposed skin every morning with sunscreen and add clothing, shade or a hat when practical. Use a gentle cleanser and moisturiser; avoid picking, abrasive scrubs and products that burn. If the skin is irritated, simplify the routine before adding an active ingredient. A dermatologist can recommend treatment suited to your skin tone and circumstances.

Possible clinician-led options include topical pigment medicines, chemical peels, microneedling, laser toning or other skin-brightening treatment. Procedures require conservative settings and careful aftercare because inflammation may deepen uneven colour. See [Melasma](/conditions/melasma/) and [Dark Patches On Skin](/symptoms/dark-patches-on-skin/).

Arrange review if a patch is new and unexplained, changes quickly, becomes raised, bleeds, crusts, hurts or differs from the rest of the pigmentation. Seek prompt advice after severe irritation, blistering or swelling from a product or procedure. A stable flat patch can be discussed at a routine appointment, particularly when self-care has not helped or the diagnosis is unclear.

Ask how the diagnosis was made, what may be triggering the pigment, and which sunscreen and active ingredients are appropriate. Ask how long to try the plan, what reactions are expected, whether a procedure fits your skin, and how follow-up will check for a different cause if the mark changes.