Thursday, February, 09, 2012

Melasma

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Chloasma; Mask of pregnancy; Pregnancy mask


Treatment

Treatments may include:

  • Creams containing a combination of tretinoin, kojic acid, and azelaic acid have been shown to improve the appearance of melasma.
  • Your doctor may recommend chemical peels or topical steroid creams.
  • In severe cases, laser treatments can be used to remove the dark pigment.

Avoiding the sun and using sunscreen are key to preventing melasma.


Support Groups


Expectations (prognosis)

Melasma often fades over several months after stopping birth control pills or HRT, or after delivering a child. It may return with additional pregnancies or use of these medications.


Complications


Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have persistent darkening of your face.



Review Date: 10/03/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)