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What should you know about saan nakukuha ang melasma?

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

Short answer

Melasma develops when pigment-producing cells make extra melanin, often influenced by sunlight, visible light, hormones, heat, and skin irritation.

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

At a glance

Typical appearance
Flat, uneven brown or grey-brown facial patches
Common aggravators
Sunlight, visible light, heat, hormones, and irritation
Helpful foundation
Daily sun protection and gentle skincare

What melasma means

Melasma is a common pigmentation condition that usually appears as flat brown, grey-brown, or darker patches on the cheeks, forehead, nose, upper lip, or jaw. The patches often occur on both sides of the face and do not usually cause pain or itching. It is sometimes called chloasma or the pregnancy mask.

Sun exposure is a major aggravating factor, and visible light may also deepen pigmentation. Hormonal changes, including pregnancy or some hormonal medicines, can make pigment-producing cells more active. Warm environments and repeated facial irritation may add to the colour. Melasma is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. A patch can look similar to other causes of dark skin, so appearance alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

What you can do

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen every day and reapply as directed, especially when outdoors. A tinted product containing iron oxides can help reduce the effect of visible light. Add shade, a hat, and sunglasses when the sun is strong; window exposure can matter as well.

Keep skincare gentle: choose a mild cleanser, moisturiser, and products that do not sting or burn. Scrubbing, picking, frequent waxing, or a product that causes redness can leave pigmentation darker. A dermatologist can confirm melasma and select a treatment plan, which may include prescription creams or procedures such as a chemical peel, microneedling, skin brightening treatment, or laser toning. Procedures need careful selection because irritation can worsen uneven colour.

When to seek care

Arrange a dermatology assessment if the diagnosis is uncertain, the patches are spreading, or pigmentation is affecting your confidence despite consistent sun protection. Seek prompt medical review for a spot that is raised, bleeding, crusting, painful, persistently itchy, or changing in shape or colour; those features are not typical of uncomplicated melasma and need a closer look.

Questions for your dermatologist

Ask whether the pattern fits melasma or another cause of dark patches, whether any medicine or hormonal change may be contributing, and which ingredients are suitable for your skin. You can also ask how long to try a plan before reviewing it, how to reduce irritation, and whether a proposed procedure is appropriate for your skin tone.

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

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 come from the sun?

Sunlight can trigger or deepen melasma, but hormones, heat, visible light, and irritation may also contribute.

Is melasma contagious?

No. Melasma is a pigmentation condition and does not spread from person to person.

Can melasma go away?

It may lighten when triggers are controlled, although pigment can return with renewed exposure or hormonal changes.

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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.