How do dermatologists diagnose melasma?A dermatologist usually can diagnose melasma by closely examining your face and neck. To get a close look, a specialized device like a Wood’s lamp or dermatoscope may be used by your dermatologist. These devices help in visualizing how deeply the darker pigment penetrates the layers of your skin. This information is crucial for melasma treatment. Sometimes, melasma may resemble another skin condition. To exclude this possibility, a skin biopsy may be conducted by your dermatologist, involving the removal of a small skin section. This procedure can be swiftly and safely performed during your office visit by a dermatologist.
How do dermatologists treat melasma?Melasma might disappear naturally. This typically occurs when an underlying factor, such as pregnancy or certain medication, triggers melasma. After childbirth or cessation of the medication, melasma may gradually fade away. In some cases, melasma can persist for an extended period, or even a lifetime. Despite not posing a risk to your health, many individuals prefer to address it. If treatment for melasma is desired, it is advisable to inquire about the associated costs from your dermatologist. Since melasma treatment is often deemed non-essential from a medical standpoint, most insurance plans do not cover the expenses. When opting for melasma treatment, a tailored treatment plan will be devised by your dermatologist to suit your individual requirements. Factors such as skin tone, depth of melasma penetration, and potential triggers need to be considered in creating your treatment plan. Various triggers like sunlight exposure, contraceptive use, and stress can provoke melasma.
The primary objectives of treatment include:
Reducing the body’s pigment production.
Restoring the skin tone to its natural color.
Treatment plans typically involve:
Sun protection: Sun exposure stimulates pigment production, darkening existing melasma and leading to new patches. Your dermatologist will provide guidance on shielding your skin from the sun, often recommending measures like wearing a broad-brimmed hat, seeking shade, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or above throughout the day.
Medication and procedures: Your dermatologist may prescribe medications to mitigate excess skin pigment, usually in the form of home-applied topical solutions. Various medications like hydroquinone, tretinoin, corticosteroids, azelaic acid, kojic acid, and vitamin C may be recommended. Protective procedures like chemical peels, microneedling, laser treatments, and platelet-rich plasma injections might also be proposed by your dermatologist for enhanced outcomes.
Results typically manifest between 3 to 12 months when the treatment plan is diligently followed, potentially taking longer for longstanding cases of melasma.
