Melasma
Symmetric brown spots on the face, more frequent in women. Benefit from consistent treatment strategy and rigorous sun protection.
What is melasma
Melasma is a change in the pigmentation of the skin characterized by the appearance of brownish, symmetrical spots, typically on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin. It mainly affects women of childbearing age, but can also arise in men.
It is not a dangerous or contagious disease, but it has a significant aesthetic and psychological impact. It is a chronic condition with a tendency to relapse — the purpose of the treatment is to clear the spots and prevent their reappearance.
Appearance
- Brownish or greyish spots with irregular but symmetrical contours.
- Typical locations — cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose and chin.
- Standards — centrofacial (most common), malar (mouths) and mandibular.
- Usually painless and without itching.
- It worsens with sun exposure and can darken in periods of heat.
- It may clear up in some women after pregnancy or suspension of hormonal contraceptives.
Causes
Melamma results from the combination of several factors that stimulate excessive melanin production in specific areas:
- Sun exposure — the main aggravating factor and the main cause of recurrence.
- Hormonal changes — pregnancy ("mask of pregnancy" or cloasma), hormonal contraceptives, hormonal therapy.
- Genetic predisposition — common in darker phototypes.
- Heat — heat itself (not only UV light) can get worse.
- Some cosmetic or photosensitizing drugs.
- Oxidative stress and cutaneous inflammation.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is clinical, made by evaluation of the stains and history. In an online consultation, the dermatologist analyzes photographs in good lighting and a questionnaire on evolution, possible triggers and treatments already used.
In dubious situations or to guide treatment, Wood’s light assessment — which requires face - to - face consultation.
Options for treatment
Treatment of melasma is individual, gradual and requires persistence. Strict sun protection is the indispensable basis of any plan — without it, the other treatments are ineffective.
Sun Shield
Daily, with high factor, abundant application and reinforcement every 2 hours on display. Photoprotectors with pigments (colour protectors) also protect from visible light — important in melasma.
Topical application
Formulations applied at home, indicated by the dermatologist. They require weeks to months for visible results and are the first line of treatment.
Dermatological procedures
In selected cases, there are complementary procedures performed in the office that can accelerate the response. Evaluated individually and after initial control.
Talk to a dermatologist about your melasma
No months-long wait for an in-person appointment. Each case reaches the dermatologist already prepared with photographs, history and questionnaire answers. Choose a report in under 24h or a booked video consultation.
Start consultationPrevention and maintenance
- Photoprotector every day, even indoors — visible display light can contribute.
- Reinforcing protection every 2 hours in outdoor activity.
- I wear a hat and avoid hours of intense sun.
- Avoid excessive heat on the face — saunas, very hot baths.
- Maintaining a maintenance routine after the initial response — melasma tends to relapse.
- Discuss with the doctor hormonal options if trigger is identified.
Frequently asked questions
Is melasma curable?
There is no definitive cure — it has a strong tendency to relapse, especially with sun exposure. But it can be successfully controlled: the stains brighten significantly and prolonged maintenance keeps the results.
And is it dangerous?
Nope. Melamma is a benign pigmentation disorder, with no risk of transformation into cancer or associated disease. The nuisance is essentially aesthetic.
Is the online consultation for melasma?
Yeah. The monitoring of melasma is mainly through photographs and adherence to routine — very compatible with online consultation. The dermatologist defines the plan, adjusts with time and monitors evolution.
Are you going to disappear alone after pregnancy?
It may partially whiten in many women, but rarely disappears completely without treatment. Sun protection should start during pregnancy and continue afterwards.
Treat your melasma with custom plan
Photographs and quiz. A dermatologist defines the plan and follows over the months. No movement.
- From 60€
- Report on average within 24 working hours
- Ongoing follow-up