Melasma is a condition that causes dark brown spots or patches to develop on the face, usually on the temples, cheeks and forehead. It occurs nearly exclusively in women who are pregnant or taking oral contraceptives, with only 10 percent of cases affecting other groups, according to Merck. Treatment involves avoidance of triggering factors and medications or procedures to lighten the skin's pigmentation. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD) states that pigmentation changes that occur in the epidermis are more responsive to treatment than changes that occur deeper in the skin.
Step 1
Wait to see if your brown spots and melasma fade with time. Merck states that most cases of melasma associated with pregnancy or hormone medications improve once hormone levels return to normal.
Step 2
Apply a prescription skin lightening cream, such as hydroquinone or tretinoin, to areas of hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone removes pigment from the skin and blocks the production of melanin. Tretinoin slows down the removal rate of damaged skin cells by the body and encourages the replacement of older skin with newer skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. The AOCD states that these medications are generally effective at fading brown spots and melasma, but it may take several months before you see improvement.
Step 3
Try a topical corticosteroid or azelaic acid cream to treat brown spots and melasma that fail to respond to hydroquinone or tretinoin. According to the New Zealand Dermatological Society, these medications may be used alone or in combination with other topical treatments. Azelaic acid is safe for use during pregnancy.
Step 4
Undergo a chemical peel, a procedure that involves the application of a liquid acid to the skin to trigger peeling. As older, darker skin peels away, healthier skin takes it place. InteliHealth warns that chemical peels may cause scarring or additional pigmentation problems.
Step 5
Ask your doctor about laser treatment for your hyperpigmentation. Intense pulsed light therapy can destroy the pigment in your skin, rapidly and noticeably lightening skin discoloration. This treatment option may require multiple treatments, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society, and there is a risk of permanent scarring.
Step 6
Avoid prolonged sun exposure, and wear a sunscreen every time you head outdoors, especially on areas of skin discoloration. Continuous use of sunscreen will prevent melasma from worsening and encourage fading of existing discoloration.
Step 7
Stop using any products or medications that make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Some cosmetics and certain drugs used to treat seizures, thyroid disorders, and ovarian problems can trigger or worsen melasma, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher
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