Ordinary melasma: what to know

The patches are usually tan, brown, or grey-brown and lie flat against the skin. They commonly develop on the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip, sometimes on both sides in a similar pattern. Melasma is a pigment condition, not an infection, and it does not pass between people. Light exposure can maintain the colour, while hormonal changes and irritation may influence when it appears or becomes more visible. Other dark patches can look similar, so diagnosis still matters.

Make sun protection part of the daily routine: apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, seek shade, and use a hat for extended outdoor time. Keep skincare mild and stop any product that burns or causes persistent redness. Avoid picking, harsh scrubs, and unplanned combinations of pigment treatments. A dermatologist may recommend a tailored topical plan and discuss Chemical Peel, Microneedling, Skin Brightening Treatment, or Laser Toning when appropriate. Follow-up helps detect irritation early and adjust the approach.

See a clinician when the diagnosis is uncertain, the colour changes quickly, the area becomes raised or scaly, or there is bleeding, pain, or a non-healing sore. Review is useful when pigmentation follows a new medicine, pregnancy-related change, or irritating cosmetic. If a treatment makes the patches darker or inflamed, pause it and seek advice about safer alternatives.

Ask whether the pattern is consistent with melasma, what may be triggering it, and how to protect your skin during daily activities. Ask how to introduce treatment, what irritation looks like, and when the result should be reviewed rather than changing products repeatedly.