Melasma
What is Melasma
Melasma is a skin condition which commonly affects women. Although it can affect anyone, melasma is often triggered by a change in hormones, appearing during pregnancy (known as the mask of pregnancy), after starting the birth control pill or hormone replacement therapy. Sun exposure can also stimulate melasma, darkening it and causing it to spread in many cases.
Symptoms of melasma include brown patches of skin throughout the face but mostly it appears on the upper lip, upper cheeks and forehead. Theses patches often develop gradually over time fading during the winter months and darkening during the summer. Since sunlight triggers melasma, it is important to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days and after swimming or sweating. Wearing large brimmed hats and 30 SPF or higher daily is strongly recommended for melasma patients with reapplication every hour while outdoors.
Melasma Treatment
Melasma is a chronic skin condition which must be monitored closely by a physician. Using the appropriate medical grade skin bleaching and brightening regimens at home, Dermapen, and in some extreme cases laser resurfacing treatments can dramatically and effectively reduce your melasma. SkinRhümMD offers melasma treatment regimens which include Hydroquinone and regimens which are Hydroquinone free. Dr. Patenaude and SkinRhümMD will review your personalized melasma treatment regimen which best accommodates your lifestyle to lighten, reduce and prevent your melasma from spreading and darkening.
If you are suffering from melasma have your family doctor refer you to Dr. Patenaude to get the best medical advice and melasma treatment options or contact us today for more information on melasma 204-894-7486.