What Causes Melasma and How to Treat It in Cincinnati, Ohio

However, skin cancers may sometimes resemble Melasma, so it is important to visit one of our offices in Cincinnati, Ohio to confirm the correct diagnosis. There could also be other causes of skin darkening, hence a visit to Moksha Dermatology is a must if you develop any sort of discoloration on your skin.

Moksha Dermatology’s expert dermatologists are aware of how these skin patches can affect your self-esteem. To reduce the severity of skin discoloration without impacting the health of your skin, we provide a variety of treatment options.

What Causes Melasma?

Anyone can develop melasma. Those of Middle Eastern descent, African Americans, and other darked skin toned ethnicities are particularly susceptible to developing Melasma-related discoloration of the skin. Other triggers for the development of Melasma include the following:

• Changes in Hormones
• Use of Birth Control
• Excess Sun Exposure
• Pregnancy
• Specific medications

Melasma is mainly prevalent in women, but can affect men too. Men on average account for less than 10% of Melasma cases. Women are more likely to be affected due to the numerous hormonal fluctuations they experience during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause transition. It is also believed that Melasma can genetically run in families. Melasma discoloration does not occur immediately, and can gradually worsen over time. It is often observed to progress gradually over weeks or months.

What are the Symptoms of Melasma?

Melasma typically affects the face, but it can also appear on the arms and back. It most frequently appears on the forehead, upper lip, chin, and cheeks. Melasma may manifest as ‘macules,’ which can resemble freckles, in addition to larger dark patches with irregular borders.

Melasma Symptoms Include:

• Symmetrical regions of dark, brown, or gray skin
• An increase in the number of melanin cells, also known as melanocytes
• Abnormal buildup of elastic tissue
• An increase in facial blood vessels

Why Treat Your Melasma?

If Melasma is incurable, why treat it?

There are various reasons why you may want to treat your Melasma. You may have an upcoming major event, such as a wedding or an important business presentation. You may have gotten tired of using excessive photo filters on social media to conceal your facial discoloration. You may have even noticed that your Melasma has affected your self-esteem and mental health.

Studies have demonstrated that Melasma is more than just annoying dark patches on the skin. Though Melasma is not a life-threatening condition, it can still have a negative effect on your quality of life.

Best Treatment for Melasma in Cincinnati, Ohio

In certain instances, your Melasma may be temporary. Darkened patches of skin may fade naturally without treatment.

Melasma can also be a permanent condition that affects how you feel about your appearance. After your initial skin health consultation with our expert Cincinnati, Ohio dermatologists, your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs and may incorporate multiple treatment methods. Moksha Dermatology will first determine what may be causing the Melasma in order to determine the best treatment for you.

Both women and men of all skin types have options for reducing the severity of the skin discolorations caused by Melasma, including:

• Chemical Peels
• Topical Medications
• Microdermabrasion
• Microneedling
• Non-invasive Laser Light Therapy

Fortunately, none of these treatments require any significant downtime.

Schedule Your Melasma Treatment Consultation Today!

If you have Melasma patches, Moksha Dermatology can assist you. Make an appointment at one of our Cincinnati, Ohio, locations to learn more, or to schedule your skin health consultation. Click here to contact us today!