Stubborn Melasma Treatment

Melasma is a treatable condition resulting in dark and discolored patches on the skin, particularly on the face. Melasma is often seen in pregnant women, leading to its alternative name of chloasma, or “mask of pregnancy.” While melasma may disappear after pregnancy, persistent cases can require treatment with prescription medications, effective remedies, and skin care products. Although men can get melasma, the condition is much more common among women, with women having an estimated 90 per cent of the cases seeking treatment.

Possible Causes of Melasma

Doctors aren’t completely sure what causes melasma. Darker-skinned individuals are more likely to develop melasma than lighter-skinned people. Pregnancy and the hormones estrogen and progesterone are also associated with the condition. Hormone therapy and birth control pills are known to trigger cases of melasma. Thyroid diseases and stress are also thought to cause the condition.

Melasma can be stubborn to treat. Fortunately, dermatologists can use several medications as part of an integrated, holistic melasma treatment program that can be more effective than relying on a single medication or remedy.

Diagnosing Melasma

Dermatologists can often diagnose melasma by simply doing a visual examination of the affected area. However, to rule out specific causes, doctors can also perform tests. They might perform a biopsy by removing a small piece of skin in the affected area for testing in a laboratory. Another test commonly performed is a Wood’s lamp examination, which exposes fungal and bacterial infections when held up to affected areas.

Melasma Treatment

Several medications and treatments have proven to be effective at lightening melasma in many patients. However, these treatments can sometimes take up to a year to be effective. By offering a complete range of approved melasma treatments, Nirunda Aesthetic Clinic has become a preferred destination for those seeking melasma treatment in Bangkok. Our treatments include:

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone, also known as benzene-1, 4-diol, or quinol, is an organic compound that is a type of phenol and a benzene derivative. It’s generally sold in a cream containing 4% hydroquinone.

Tretinoin

Tretinoin is a medication normally used to treat acne. It’s also used as a skin lightener and to treat fine wrinkles, rough skin, and dark spots on the face caused by the sun. The medication works best when the treated area is protected from the sun.

Triple Combination Cream

This medication has specifically been developed to treat melasma. It consists of 4% hydroquinone, 0.05% Tretinoin, and 0.01% mometasone furoate cream. When combined with glycolic acid peels, it is especially effective at preventing recurrent melasma.

Chemical Peels

A chemical peel involves applying a chemical solution to the affected areas of the face to remove the top layers of skin. It’s used to treat scars, wrinkles, and discolored areas. Chemical peels can be performed at different depths. Generally, a light to medium-depth chemical peel is used to treat melasma on the face.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure, also known as collagen induction therapy. It’s used mostly on the face to stimulate collagen production using tiny needles. It can also reduce hyperpigmentation and lighten dark spots. It’s a minimally invasive treatment that requires almost no downtime.

Laser/light Therapy

Laser/light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses the energy from light to regenerate and repair darkened and damaged skin. The light improves DNA production, which promotes healing and improves circulation. Nirunda Clinic uses the Pico StarWalker laser. This technologically advanced machine uses short pulses of energy to reduce the surface pigment into fine particles, which can then be easily removed from the skin.

Platelet-rich Plasma

Platelet-rich Plasma therapy is one of the latest effective treatments for melasma. This treatment was initially developed to help heal injuries. A sample of your blood is used to create the platelets, which are then injected back into your body. When injected into darkened facial areas, they help return the skin to its natural, lighter shade.

Visit Nirunda Aesthetic Clinic

One of the most skilled and effective clinics for melasma treatment in Bangkok is Nirunda Aesthetic Clinic. We offer an entire range of surgical, injectable, and skin rejuvenation techniques and are specialists at treating this well-known type of skin discoloration in Bangkok.

Please schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Nirunda International Aesthetic Clinic if you’re considering treatment for melasma.

Sources: Efficacy and Safety of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Melasma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis – 7/30/2024 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8484406/