What is the best treatment for melasma?

Since there is no perfect treatment for melasma, one can prevent it from getting worse. Wearing sunscreens is essential in preventing the worsening of Melasma. One should wear a sunscreen which contains both inorganic and organic compounds and has a SPF of > 20. Protective clothing and wearing a hat are all essential in preventing worsening of this skin disorder.

The most important thing about Melasma is that it is a completely benign medical disorder with no untoward health consequences. The treatment for Melasma is only for cosmetic reasons. The majority of treatments are not only expensive, but are not curative and there is no guarantee that they will work. Infact, some treatments can even worsen the skin condition.

Melasma on the face can be caused by female hormones and made worse by pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and sun exposure.


consider protecting your skin from the sun by wearing a good broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 every day. Wear protective clothing like a hat and sunglasses while outside, and look up OTC fading products that contain 2 percent hydroquinone to see if this is something you want to try. Remember that you get a lot of sun exposure doing daily tasks and errands such as driving so keep that in mind too.

I have a question, melasma is caused by hormonal changes in our bodys wich could be the result of using birth control pills. I would like to know what hormone causes melasma: estrogen or progesterone, or the combination of two?

thanks!

I think once the skin darkening on the face occurs though it can reoccur even without oral contraceptive use, sun exposure is enough to bring it on. That's why sunscreen use and protecting your face from the sun is necessary.

I haven't seen anyone successfully treat melasma. Staying out of the sun might help minimize the occurrence. I'm just curious why, out of all the posts here, no one bothered to recommend to see a dermatologist? :D

What causes melasma?

Follow up to my previous question.

What is the cure for melasma?

Birth control pills can cause melasma. Recent health study shows that using birth control pills will give melasma to the person who is using it.

Melasma is caused by contraceptive and hormone replacement pill. Most pregnant women are being infected with this disease. It can also affect men thru sexual intercourse.

Melasma is one side effect of using birth control pills. I would ask my OB-GYN if what would be the best contraceptive that will not harm my body.