Treating Melasma

Melasma is a skin condition that causes patches of brown color to form on body parts most exposed to sun, especially the face. Sun damage most often causes melasma, however, hormone changes during pregnancy can also cause melasma to form. Though it is a stubborn condition, there are ways to control and treat the issue if it does not begin to fade on its own. Wearing sunscreen helps prevent the condition, but medical help is often needed to remove it.

Treatment Options

There are several treatment options available. The first step is to visit a doctor and confirm that the discolored skin patches are, in fact, melasma. Then, a cosmetic surgeon can properly assess how deep the affected areas are, and what type of treatment will best treat that area. Some common treatments include:

• Topical medications, including Hydroquinone, Tretinoin, and corticosteroids, are commonly prescribed by doctors for the treatment of melasma. The topical gels and creams help to lighten the affected skin.
• Chemical peels are effective because the new skin formed after the peel is sometimes free of the dark pigmentation caused by melasma.
• Microdermabrasion can also be used in the removal of the dark skin patches.
• Laser treatments are considered the best option to treat melasma that orginates from the deeper layers of skin.

As there are many options available to rid the skin of melasma, it is highly recommended to seek profession advice when choosing a treatment plan.

Contact a Plastic Surgeon

Melasma is a pesky skin problem that can prevent you from feeling confident. If you are suffering from melasma, or think that your dark skin patches could be melasma, contacting a plastic surgeon can allow you to restore your skin’s original color. Call Bergman Folkers Plastic Surgery located in Des Moines by dialing (515) 222-1111 to start on the path to beautiful, healthy skin.