Melasma is a pigmentation disorder characterized by excessive accumulation of melanin in the skin. It commonly presents as dark spots of irregular shape that are located mainly in photo-exposed areas, such as the forehead, nose, cheekbones and on the upper lip. Dr. Yaril Moreyra, a dermatologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, provides us with more information on this topic.

Risk factors

The most important risk factors are:

• Genetic predisposition
• Intense exposure to sunlight
• Skin phototype III or IV (brown skin)
• Hormonal factors (pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and hormone therapy)

Types of melasma

There are two types:

• Facial melasma. It is the most common. It can have 3 patterns:
  • Center-facial pattern (forehead, nose, cheekbones and upper lip)
  • Malar pattern (mainly affects the cheekbones)
  • Mandibular pattern (affects the lower jaw area)
• Extra-facial melasma. It is less common. It can affect the arms, forearms, chest, or back

Treatment

It consists mainly of the use of depigmenting creams for several months. In addition, superficial peels can be performed with different types of acids and in some cases laser or pulsed light is used. On the other hand, the strict use of sunscreen during and after treatment is essential for the successful management of melasma.

Prevention

The only way to prevent this condition is adequate photoprotection from childhood, which consists of avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, wearing suitable clothing to protect yourself from the sun’s rays and using sunscreen.

Dr. Yaril Moreyra
Dermatologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma