Melasma
Melasma

What is Melasma?

Melasma is an abnormal patchy to diffuse mottled brown or blue-grey facial skin discoloration. Melasma can occur off the face, as well. Melasma is predominantly seen in women during their reproductive years. Rarely, it occurs in men as well. 4 types of melasma pigmentation patterns are seen:

1. epidermal,

2. dermal,

3. mixed epidermal and dermal

4. increased melanocytes (especially, in very dark skin types)

Most melasma is the mixed type. These types of melasma have treatment implications. Diagnosis is typically by your dermatologist through clinical exam. Melasma is not dangerous, but is usually cosmetically disconcerting. Often, melasma recurs with discontinuance of effective therapy. Thus, maintenance skin care programs are recommended.

What causes Melasma?

No one knows exactly what causes melasma. However, sun exposure and conditions of elevated female hormonal states, specifically, external female hormones (e.g. birth control pills) and internal hormonal changes as seen with pregnancy, are promoting factors. Hispanic, Asian, Middle Eastern and similar darker skin type females have a higher incidence of melasma. Genetic factors also contribute. Skin irritation from a variety of causes is a risk factor.

What are treatment options for Melasma?

Melasma may rarely clear spontaneously without treatment or may clear with sun avoidance and daily sunblock use. For others, melasma may disappear weeks to months after pregnancy or after stopping birth control pills or related hormonal therapy.

For most melasma sufferers, some form of treatment will be needed. Sun avoidance and daily sunscreen should be a part of any treatment regimen. Topical combination prescription bleaching creams that include hydroquinone, tretinoin and other ingredients are usually helpful for the epidermal component, but not so much for the dermal pigment. Topical skin care programs may require up to 3 months for results. Failure to satisfactorily improve by 3 months with topicals alone is an indication for adjunct treatments, such as chemical peels and / or laser therapy.

Please download our Melasma Laser Toning brochure for more information.

Contact us at info@strimderm.com or call us at (702) 243-6400 to schedule a melasma evaluation and treatment consultation.

Why Choose Us
At Strimling Dermatology, Laser & Vein Institute, we are committed to providing the highest quality, personalized care in a safe, friendly, caring, respectful and state-of-the-art environment; as we ourselves would want to be treated.
We respect your time and endeavor to provide prompt appointments with sufficient time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions and help you understand your condition and management or treatment options.
Services are provided or supervised by our highly experienced, board-certified dermatologists. With over 25 years experience, our “Award Winning Cosmetic Surgeon” Dr. Robert Strimling, MD is one of the most experienced cosmetic dermatologists in Las Vegas. Our dermatologists have been selected or voted “Best Dermatologists” in Las Vegas and nationally many times.
From Las Vegas or out-of-town, our patients come from all walks of life. Other physicians, CEOs, celebrities, politicians and others have sought our services.
All patients are welcome, including those without insurance. Medicare and most insurances are accepted.
We are appreciative and grateful for all our patients who entrust us with their care. Thank you!
Contact us at info@strimderm.com or text or call (702) 243-6400 to schedule your personalized consultation.