Melasma Treatment in Mumbai

Melasma is a common pigmentary condition of the skin. The condition causes light or dark brown, discoloured patches on your skin.

It’s also called chloasma, or the “mask of pregnancy,” when it occurs in pregnant women. Women are more affected than men, however, it is also seen in men. Melasma treatment in Mumbai is available at Dr. Shehnaz Arsiwala’s Renewderm Centre. 

Melasma causes brown patches of pigmentation on the skin. The patches are darker than the usual skin colour. It usually occurs on the face and is symmetrical, with symmetrical patches on both sides of the face. Other areas like the neck, chest and arms can also develop Melasma.

Common areas where patches usually appear are:

• Cheeks
• Forehead
• Bridge of the nose
• Chin

The pigmentation does not cause any discomfort, pain, itch or systemic complications but it deeply affects the patient psychosocially and cosmetically.

If you notice Melasma, see a dermatologist for Melasma treatment in Mumbai at Renewderm.

Rarely, Melasma disappears spontaneously. This happens when it’s caused by specific triggers like pregnancy or birth control pills.

Topical creams are widely prescribed to lighten the skin. Topical steroids and retinoids can help to lighten the affected areas however these should be used only by prescription and in indicated cases.

Chemical peels are widely used to target the Melasma pigment. Microdermabrasion is another option which can be combined with peels and lasers for the reduction of Melasma pigment. These procedures are superficial and may require multiple sessions to show significant improvement in the patches.

These procedures don’t guarantee that Melasma won’t come back, and some cases of Melasma can’t be completely lightened. Long-term maintenance is needed to keep the lightened pigment at bay. These include minimizing your sun exposure and wearing sunscreen daily. Recently protection from high-energy visible light and infrared radiation are also encouraged along with protection from UV radiation in Melasma maintenance protocol.

While not all cases of Melasma will clear up with treatment, there are things you can do to make sure the condition doesn’t get worse and to minimize the appearance of discolouration. 

These include:

• Using makeup to cover areas of discolouration
• Taking prescribed medication
• Wearing sunscreen every day with SPF 30
• Wearing a wide-brimmed hat that shields or provides shade for your face
• Wearing protective clothing is especially important if you’ll be in the sun for an extended period of time.

• Options include: Hydroquinone PrecautionsProlonged use of hydroquinone can result in ochronosis, a condition earmarked by blue-black patches of skin. In some instances, hydroquinone may also cause white spots to appear on the skin.You should not use hydroquinone or other topical treatments for Melasma on skin that does not have Melasma.
  • Tretinoin
  • Corticosteroids
  • Triple Cream (combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin, and a corticosteroid)
  • Azelaic Acid
  • Kojic Acid
  • Alpha Arbutin

  If topicals aren’t working, your dermatologist might recommend a procedure to treat your Melasma, such as:

  • Chemical Peel
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Laser Treatment

  Be patient during treatment. It often takes months before results are seen. And once your Melasma clears, your doctor might recommend maintenance therapy to prevent it from returning. No matter what treatment is the best option for you, remember prevention is key. Wear sunscreen every day and a wide-brimmed hat whenever you’re outside.

  Eliminate triggers

  It is recommended to make lifestyle changes to eliminate any triggers that may be causing the Melasma patches.

  This includes year-round, lifetime use of a sun blocker that stops exposure to UVA and UVB light. Mineral sunscreens containing iron oxide are preferred, as they block visible light which can exacerbate Melasma.

  Heat — such as cooking over a hot stove — is also a Melasma trigger and should be avoided if possible.

  Wearing sun-protective hats with wide brims can also help keep the sun off your face.

  You may also consider changing your birth control method to a non-hormonal type, such as a copper IUD.

  For some people, certain perfumes, cosmetics, and creams may become activated by exposure to sunlight. This is known as a phototoxic reaction. In some instances, a phototoxic reaction can trigger Melasma. Identifying and eliminating products that react to sunlight may help.

• If topical treatments don’t work after several months, your doctor may recommend trying a skin peel comprised of glycolic or salicylic acid-based compounds. Most peels for Melasma contain a blend of acids including Salicylic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Trichloro Acetic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Phenolic Acid, Resorcinol, Retinol, Tranexamic Acid And Kojic Acid. These peels work for some people, but may not in others. A superficial, low-concentration peel may be done monthly, to start. In some instances, your doctor may recommend increasing the frequency and concentration of the peels. You may also be told to combine topical use of a lightening agent, such as hydroquinone, with the skin peels.Other treatments such as lasers, microdermabrasion, and microneedling should only be done by a trained dermatologist. Head to Renewderm to receive the best treatment for Melasma on face in Mumbai. 

Q-Switch

The Q-Switch laser, sometimes called The Spectra®, delivers energy into your skin that breaks melanin into smaller pieces, which are then removed by your body. Q-Switch may also bleach your hair, and the process can cause a stinging sensation. It is the best treatment for Melasma on the face in Mumbai.

Fractional Resurfacing Laser

Fractional laser resurfacing makes microscopic holes in your skin that stimulate the growth of new and healthy skin cells. There is a prickling sensation involved and usually, a topical anaesthetic is applied before the procedure. Your skin looks red or discoloured, and raw immediately after. But after 3 to 5 days of recovery, your skin will look brighter and more even.

Microneedle RF with topical misdelivery of the active ingredient

Here the microneedle RF is used to create channels on the surface of the skin after which lightening agents are deposited into the channels for their better absorption. Your skin looks red or discoloured, and raw immediately after. But after 3 to 5 days of recovery, your skin will look brighter and more even.

When lasers are considered

Lasers are generally considered for people seeking long-term and quick results when other options, like lightning creams, have not been effective.

What to expect from Melasma Laser Treatment

Laser treatments can be an effective treatment for Melasma – the Q-Switch laser is the most effective, especially in people with darker skin tones.

People who experience Melasma during pregnancy, and do not plan to become pregnant again are good candidates for laser treatment. People whose Melasma is resistant to other treatments and people looking for quicker results are also good candidates for laser treatment.

You should see some improvement after the first session, but three to four sessions spaced about 30 days apart will yield the greatest results. You should see full results in 3 to 6 months with multiple sessions. You may need follow-up treatments because sometimes Melasma clears days after laser therapy, but can also return.

1. What is the most effective treatment for Melasma?   

An experienced dermatologist needs to do a full-length, in-depth analysis of the patient’s condition to determine the most effective treatment for them. Book an appointment with Dermatologist for Melasma Treatment now!

2. How can I permanently remove Melasma?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive treatment that will remove Melasma completely. Melasma can be resistant to treatment in some patients and it can return even after total clearance    

3. Can Melasma go away? 

Melasma can be resistant to treatment in some patients and it can return even after total clearance                                

4. Does Melasma come back after laser? 

Melasma can fade away with laser to a certain extent depending on the intensity of your condition.

5. Is LED light good for Melasma? 

Led light therapy is not used for Melasma as it can worsen it. 

6. Do Dermatologists treat Melasma? 

Yes, a dermatologist can help you treat your Melasma.

7. What is the root cause of Melasma?

Melasma has two main causes: radiation, whether ultraviolet, visible light or infrared (heat) light; and hormones.     

8. What deficiency causes Melasma?

Melasma is not particularly associated with any nutritional deficiencies.

9. Which laser is best for Melasma?  

It can only be determined after diagnosing your condition and considering your skin type.