MELASMA… TREATING DIFFICULT CASES
Melasma is one of the more common conditions seen at Altaire Clinic and is stubborn and still mysterious. Melasma is most common in skin types IV-VI (Asian & Hispanic) and presents as brown patches most commonly to upper lip, chin, forehead and cheeks in a symmetric pattern. Genetics play an important role along with pregnancy (mask of pregnancy), hormone replacement therapy, heat/inflammation, and sun exposure. For some patients, cessation of hormone altering medications and a normal rebalancing of hormones can cause pigments to fade on its own. For others, unfortunately, melasma may persist indefinitely. There are 3 types (epidermal, [...]