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What Causes Dark Patches On The Cheeks?

Posted on Mon, 14 Nov 2016

Question: My wife have what some folks refer to as the 'mask of pregnancy' -- dark splotches on her cheeks both the side. The splotches are at least three or four shades darker than her normal skin. Can you please help me understand the reason and treatment? Alternatively, can you please suggest medicine, a cream and tablets?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Melasma; sunscreen and a demelanising cream

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.
Your wife has a condition known as Melasma, more specifically known as Chloasma if onset is in pregnancy.
In pregnancy the underlying cause is hormonal changes.
Treatment is based on sun protection with a sunscreen and a demelanising cream.
She may use a broad spectrum sunscreen throughout the day e.g Sunscros soft sunscreen which is a purely physical broad spectrum sunscreen and is safe in pregnancy.
At night she may use Azaleic acid 20% cream (Aziderm cream) over pigmented area/ patches. Rub in. The cream is safe in pregnancy.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 minutes later)

Thank You Doctor, very helpful! Just wanted to let you know that she is not pregnant anymore as she gave birth to a child last month. I hope there will not be any change to above prescribed medicines

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Sunscreen and demelanising cream

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

I would suggest her to follow the same treatment for 3-4 months.

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar