Suggest Treatment For Severe Melasma

Posted on Tue, 16 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 16 Sep 2014 Answered on

Tue, 7 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : What can I do for severe melasma? I've tried The Obagi peel several years ago, but it's worse now. I've tried Hydroquione (rx fade cream 4%) I'm not on birth control. I was only on birth control 2 years. In my early 30s. I'm 46. I went 8 mos w/o a period, had a very light, short cycle and no it's been another 8 mos since that cycle. My OB says it may be hormones but there's nothing he can do about it.
I tried BBL but it was a bad experience w my skin
Thinking of doing laser resurfacing.
Help!

Answered by Dr. Som Biswas (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hi

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXX,

I can understand your concerns. Truly speaking there are no effective medicines for melasma as its a hormonal effect.

The discoloration usually disappears spontaneously over a period of several months after giving birth or stopping the oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy.

Treatments are often ineffective as it comes back with continued exposure to the sun.

If you have tried the medicines and it did not work you have to undergo laser resurfacing.

Regards,

Dr. Som MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj