What is melasma?
Melasma is an acquired brown hyperpigmentation of the skin of the face and neck (known as ‘fever’). It mainly appears in women with dark skin, but in a percentage of 10% it can also appear in men. It is mainly found on the forehead, cheekbones, upper lip and chin
Where is it due to?
It occurs more often in people with a genetic predisposition, in women who take contraceptives, in pregnant women, in people who are exposed to the sun a lot. Hyperpigmentation develops slowly and can be mild or severe. The spots or patches are usually symmetrical and their color varies from light brown to very dark. It is very common in Greek women, especially those with a wheatish skin type.
How is it treated?
Regarding its treatment, in principle we should emphasize how important it is to use an appropriate sunscreen throughout the year. After assessing the severity of the melasma, the dermatologist may recommend the use of whitening substances (which are administered with a medical prescription).
Chemical peelings (TCA, AHA, etc.) also have very good results and are applied in dermatological clinics under medical supervision. Certain types of melasma respond very well to medical laser treatment.
Finally, the combination of microdermabrasion (mechanical peeling treatment with microcrystals) and special whitening mesotherapy has extremely good results.