Having dark and discolored patches on your skin, a condition known as melasma, can leave you feeling distressed and embarrassed. If you struggle with melasma, the dedicated dermatologists at Elite Dermatology provide integrative treatments at all office locations in the Greater Houston Area Find out how the dermatology team can restore your even skin tone by booking a melasma consultation through the website. You can also call the office nearest you to book by phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is melasma?
Melasma can develop anywhere on your body, although sun-exposed areas are most common. When you have melasma, you start developing gray-brown patches of skin, usually on your face. While melasma isn’t a medical concern and doesn’t cause any uncomfortable symptoms, it can certainly make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious.
Why do I have melasma?
Melasma is much more common among women. About 90% of the melasma cases doctors treat are for female patients. Medical experts aren’t clear as to why some people are more likely to develop melasma than others.
However, hormonal fluctuations that commonly affect women are usually to blame. This is why melasma is so common among pregnant women — it’s nicknamed the “mask of pregnancy.”
Your risk of developing melasma is higher if you:
- Undergo hormone replacement therapy (possibly for menopause)
- Regularly expose your skin to the sun
- Take birth control pills
- Have thyroid disease
Melasma also tends to affect darker-skinned individuals more regularly. In any case, if you experience any changes in your skin tone or color, contact Elite Dermatology for an evaluation.
How does a dermatologist treat melasma?
In most cases, your dedicated dermatologist at Elite Dermatology can confirm that you have melasma by performing a skin evaluation. Occasionally, specialized testing is necessary to check for bacterial or fungal infections. Once your dermatologist confirms that you have melasma and rules out other issues, they talk with you about which treatments you may need.
If your melasma stems from a hormonal treatment, such as birth control pills, finding an alternative medication may be beneficial. Melasma can resolve on its own in some cases by stabilizing your hormone levels.
Your dermatologist can prescribe individualized topical compounds to lighten your skin gradually over time. In some cases, oral therapy with tranexamic acid can be used. Undergoing in-office microneedling or chemical peel treatments at Elite Dermatology can also help even out your skin tone.
Once your dermatologist finds the best treatment solution for your case of melasma, they talk with you about preventive care. Getting in the habit of applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and covering your skin if you’re going to be outside can lower your risk of future melasma issues.
If your melasma leaves you feeling embarrassed or self-conscious, don’t hesitate to contact Elite Dermatology to get started on treatment. Book your visit online or by phone with any office.
Schedule a Melasma Consultation at Elite Dermatology
Don’t let melasma hold you back—reclaim a clear, even complexion with comprehensive medical dermatology at Elite Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. We accept a range of insurance plans to make your treatment accessible. Schedule your personalized consultation online or call your nearest office today to take the first step toward radiant skin.
