What should you know about photoderm melasma?

Melasma produces flat brown, grey-brown, or darker patches, often on the cheeks, forehead, nose, upper lip, or jaw. Sunlight can deepen the colour, and visible light or heat may also aggravate it in some people. The pattern can resemble other causes of Dark Patches On Skin, so examination helps distinguish melasma from post-inflammatory pigmentation, medication-related change, or another lesion. Melasma is not contagious and does not mean the skin is dirty.

Use broad-spectrum sun protection, shade, a hat, and routines that reduce repeated heat and glare exposure. Reapply protection as directed, especially outdoors. Avoid picking, harsh scrubs, and unplanned bleaching products because irritation can make pigmentation more noticeable. A dermatologist may discuss Skin Brightening Treatment, a Chemical Peel, Microneedling, or Laser Toning after considering skin tone, pregnancy or breastfeeding, medicines, and the depth of pigment. Improvement often requires maintenance because triggers can return.

Book an assessment if pigmentation is new, rapidly changing, one-sided, itchy, painful, scaly, bleeding, or different from your usual pattern. Seek advice before treatment if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, using irritating medicines, or have developed a rash after a product. A clinician can check whether the concern is melasma or another cause of Uneven Skin Tone.

Ask what pattern and depth of melasma you have, which light-protection products suit your skin, how long a treatment trial should last, how irritation will be prevented, and what maintenance plan is realistic.