Melasma

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Melasma

Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder causing symmetric brown or bluish-gray macules on sun-exposed areas, especially cheeks, forehead and upper lip. It predominantly affects women (90%), often during pregnancy or with hormonal therapy. Cutis Hospital offers multimodal treatments combining topical agents, peels and lasers to effectively lighten patches and prevent recurrence.

Overview

Melasma results from hyperactive melanocytes in the epidermis and sometimes dermis, triggered by UV, infrared radiation and estrogens. Diagnosis uses Wood’s lamp to determine depth of pigment. Management centers on strict photoprotection, topical tyrosinase inhibitors, chemical peels (glycolic, TCA) and laser/light therapies for resistant cases.

Melasma affects up to 33% of women of reproductive age. It may fade postpartum or with cessation of hormones. At Cutis Hospital, we perform Wood’s lamp assessment, prescribe hydroquinone-based creams with tretinoin and mild steroids, and offer adjunctive peels and fractional lasers to restore even skin tone.

What are the types of melasma?

Epidermal: Brown patches; accentuated under Wood’s lamp. Dermal: Bluish-gray; less responsive to topicals. Mixed: Both layers involved.

How does melasma develop?

UV and hormonal stimuli upregulate tyrosinase in melanocytes, increasing melanin synthesis. Infrared and visible light also contribute to persistent pigmentation.

Symptoms & Causes

What causes melasma?

Triggers include sun exposure, pregnancy hormones, oral contraceptives, thyroid disease, genetic predisposition and certain cosmetics.

How does melasma develop?

Clinical exam supplemented by Wood’s lamp to differentiate epidermal vs. dermal pigment. Dermoscopy and Wood’s lamp guide treatment selection.

Diagnosis and tests

How is melasma diagnosed?

Clinical exam supplemented by Wood’s lamp to differentiate epidermal vs. dermal pigment. Dermoscopy and Wood’s lamp guide treatment selection.

Are any tests performed for melasma?

Thyroid function tests may detect associated thyroid disease. Wood’s lamp evaluation determines depth but no biopsy is usually required.

Expert care starts here.

At Cutis, you’re in safe hands with Dr. B.S. Chandrashekar and our team of specialists. Just fill out the form, and we’ll get in touch to confirm your visit.

Melasma is exacerbated by UV, infrared and hormonal factors Common in women of reproductive age and pregnant women WOod’s lamp differentiates epidermal vs. dermal pigment Combination therapy yields best results Strict photoprotection crucial

Melasma classifications

Epidermal: Uniform brown Dermal: Gray-blue Mixed: Varied hues

Treatment modalities for melasma

Topical: Hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin, mild steroids; azelaic acid, kojic acid. Peels: Glycolic, Jessner’s, TCA. Lasers: Q-switched and fractional nonablative. Photoprotection: Iron oxide sunscreens SPF 30+.

Being the best hospital for melasma treatment in Vijayanagar Bangalore, Cutis Hospital offers customized protocols combining topicals, peels and advanced laser modalities.

Triple Combination Cream

Hydroquinone, tretinoin and fluocinolone acetonide applied nightly under supervision.

Azelaic Acid

20% cream reduces tyrosinase activity; safer for sensitive skin.

Chemical Peels

30–50% glycolic acid or 10% TCA peels in sessions to exfoliate pigment.

Nonablative Lasers

Q-switched Nd:YAG or fractional lasers target dermal pigment with minimal downtime.

Microneedling with Topical Agents

Physical blockers with iron oxide; reapply every 2 hours outdoors.

Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

Physical blockers with iron oxide; reapply every 2 hours outdoors.

Best Hospital for Melasma Treatment in Bangalore

Successful melasma management requires strict photoprotection, targeted topicals and procedural adjuncts. At Cutis Hospital, our dermatologists develop individualized regimens for sustained pigment control and even skin tone.

We offer a full suite of services including Body Contouring, Botox & Fillers, HIFU, Laser Toning, Gold Toning, Chemical Peels, Facial Rejuvenation, Laser Hair Removal, alongside specialized melasma and pigmentation therapies.