Get Rid of Brown Patches with Melasma Treatments in Flushing

Melasma is a fairly common skin problem that causes brown patches to form on the skin. It most commonly appears on the face. In particular, the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin are where it frequently develops. Women are far more likely to develop the condition than men. It often occurs during pregnancy because of the hormonal changes involved.

If you live in the Flushing and surrounding areas and have melasma, one of the best things you can do is use sun protection when you go outdoors. It should be reapplied every couple of hours. It is also a good idea to learn more about professional melasma treatments and how they can be used to get rid of brown patches.

Melasma is suspected to be caused when the color-producing cells in the skin, called melanocytes, produce too much color. People with darker skin tones are more likely to get the condition because they naturally have more active melanocytes than do people with lighter skin. Melasma can also be hereditary.

There are some common triggers that can set off melasma symptoms. One of these triggers is exposure to the sun. Even a small amount of exposure can make the dark patches more apparent among people who have the condition. Since hormonal changes can trigger melasma, not only are women who are pregnant susceptible, but those who are taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can also develop it. Even some skin care products can aggravate melasma if they irritate the skin.

Melasma does not cause any physical discomforts, but many people are bothered by the impact it has on their appearance. Consequently, they seek ways to have the condition treated, especially when things like using sunscreen are inadequate.

Our medical professionals can normally diagnose melasma simply by looking at the skin. They may need to use a special light to see how deep the melasma penetrates beneath the surface. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary. From there, different melasma treatments may be used to address the condition.

If medications do not make the melasma go away, other melasma treatments may be necessary. Some frequently used methods include laser toning, fractional laser resurfacing and Vitamin C iontophoresis. These treatments are done in the comfort of our office without the requirement of much downtime, depending on the situation.

Are you dealing with brown patches on your skin? Make an appointment at Metro Dermatology to learn more about our melasma treatments. We have offices in Elmhurst, Flushing, Englewood and the Bronx. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!