Melasma

in Oconto Falls, WI

Melasma can be genetic, with

more than 40%

of patients have relatives who have it too

Melasma is typically on

sun-exposed

parts of the body

Pigmentation disorders account

for about 30%

of dermatological concerns in women

Studies find that roughly

50% of Melasma

is triggered by pregnancy or contraceptives

If your face has patches of tan or darker skin that aren’t consistent with your normal skin color, it could be melasma. Most common in women, it is sometimes referred to as the “mask of pregnancy,” although women who are not pregnant can have melasma too.

What is melasma?

Melasma typically appears as dark sections of skin that are irregularly shaped, and are almost always on the face, though they can sometimes show up on the neck or forearms. They can range in color from tan or brown to gray-brown.

Melasma usually appears gradually and is the result of a sensitivity to hormonal changes. It stems from the increased production of melanocytes when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet light, triggered by the hormones progesterone and estrogen.

Melasma has no symptoms beyond skin discoloration. Although some people may be self-conscious about melasma’s effects on their appearance, the condition is not dangerous and has no long-term physiological effects.

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Who gets melasma?

Almost all melasma patients are women, particularly women who:

Are pregnant
Are pre-menopausal
Take oral contraceptives
Have patch contraceptives
Use hormone replacement therapy drugs
Have a naturally darker skin color and live in sunny areas
Have a family history of melasma
Are allergic to certain medications or cosmetics
Have thyroid disease

How does a skincare specialist treat Melasma?

Melasma usually subsides on its own after a few months, though some women can suffer from the condition for years due to things like long-term contraceptive use.

Dermatologists can treat melasma with topical depigmenting agents or other medications. There are also cosmetic procedures such as laser treatments and peels that are effective at erasing unwanted pigmentation.

Contact Forefront to find a treatment that is right for you and your skin.

1 Location in the Oconto Falls, WI area

Interested in Melasma? Request a consultation with a skin specialist today.

*Treatment options may vary at each location.
Please confirm your desired treatment is offered at your preferred location when scheduling. *Age Restriction.
For patients scheduling who are under 18 years of age (19 in Alabama and Nebraska) please make sure you have permission from your parent or legal guardian to schedule this appointment. Your parent or legal guardian must accompany you on your initial visit and on certain subsequent visits to provide appropriate informed consent.