HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Pigmentation On Face

default
Posted on Thu, 23 Jul 2015
Question: My mother has had this skin spot from 4 years now in face. Recently she has started to feel tgat she is also probably having some signs in hand. Can you please advise.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Melasma; sun protection and pigment reducing creams; chemical peels

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have gone through your query and I have also reviewed the Images.

I can see that she has brownish patches of pigmentation on both cheeks as well as a linear band of pigmentation just above the right eyebrow.
This is commonly known as Melasma.
Melasma affects sun-exposed skin of face, commonly malar area/ cheeks, dorsum of nose, forehead (area above eyebrows), upper lip and sometimes other sun exposed sites like forearms as well.
It is idiopathic in most cases i.e there is no known cause.

Treatment of melasma consists of 2 essential components i.e sun protection and pigment reducing cream/ agents.

Sun protection should be strict and for that purpose I usually advice a broad spectrum sunscreen (spf 50 or more) in my patients of melasma.
Sunscreen should be applied throughout the day. It should be reapplied every 2-3 hours( i.e 8 AM, 11 AM and 2 PM).

In addition to sunscreens, pigment reducing agents would help lighten the patches.
Pigment reducing agents work either by inhibiting the synthesis of new melanin Or by exfoliating already existing pigment/ melanin.

These creams are formulated with one or more of the various pigment reducing active ingredients like kojic acid, hydroquinone, tretinoin, fluocinolone acetonide, glycolic acid, azaleic acid, arbutin, licorice etc. Various creams are available on prescription of a dermatologist.

These pigment reducing formulations are to be used once daily at night.

In addition to sunscreen and pigment reducing creams, she may also take a few sessions of chemical peeling from a dermatologist.
Glycolic acid chemical peel is particularly beneficial for melasma. A session is usually perfomed once every 2-3 weeks.

I suggest that she visits a dermatologist in vicinity for more details and for the needful.

Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Pigmentation On Face

Brief Answer: Melasma; sun protection and pigment reducing creams; chemical peels Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for writing to us I have gone through your query and I have also reviewed the Images. I can see that she has brownish patches of pigmentation on both cheeks as well as a linear band of pigmentation just above the right eyebrow. This is commonly known as Melasma. Melasma affects sun-exposed skin of face, commonly malar area/ cheeks, dorsum of nose, forehead (area above eyebrows), upper lip and sometimes other sun exposed sites like forearms as well. It is idiopathic in most cases i.e there is no known cause. Treatment of melasma consists of 2 essential components i.e sun protection and pigment reducing cream/ agents. Sun protection should be strict and for that purpose I usually advice a broad spectrum sunscreen (spf 50 or more) in my patients of melasma. Sunscreen should be applied throughout the day. It should be reapplied every 2-3 hours( i.e 8 AM, 11 AM and 2 PM). In addition to sunscreens, pigment reducing agents would help lighten the patches. Pigment reducing agents work either by inhibiting the synthesis of new melanin Or by exfoliating already existing pigment/ melanin. These creams are formulated with one or more of the various pigment reducing active ingredients like kojic acid, hydroquinone, tretinoin, fluocinolone acetonide, glycolic acid, azaleic acid, arbutin, licorice etc. Various creams are available on prescription of a dermatologist. These pigment reducing formulations are to be used once daily at night. In addition to sunscreen and pigment reducing creams, she may also take a few sessions of chemical peeling from a dermatologist. Glycolic acid chemical peel is particularly beneficial for melasma. A session is usually perfomed once every 2-3 weeks. I suggest that she visits a dermatologist in vicinity for more details and for the needful. Regards