Melasma Specialist

Knipe Dermatology

Board Certified Dermatologists located in Orlando, FL

Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown or gray patches of skin on your face. At Knipe Dermatology in Orlando, Florida, Ronald C. Knipe, MD, Samantha A. Marrone, MD, and the team offer melasma treatments to improve the pigmentation of your skin. Call the office or book an appointment online today to schedule your melasma consultation.

Melasma Q & A

What is melasma?

Melasma is a skin condition that appears as gray-brown patches on the surface of the skin. 

It most often affects the face and causes dark patches on the forehead, cheeks, nose, upper lip, and chin. However, you can develop melasma on any part of your body exposed to the sun, such as your arms and neck. 

What causes melasma?

Researchers are still investigating what causes melasma, but they theorize the skin condition occurs from an overproduction of melanocytes, which are your color-producing skin cells. 

Sun exposure may trigger the skin condition. However, hormones may also play a role in the development of melasma. 

It’s not uncommon for women to develop this skin condition during pregnancy. Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy may also trigger an overproduction of the color-producing skin cells.

What can I expect during a melasma consultation?

When you visit Knipe Dermatology for a melasma consultation, you can expect a patient-centered exam. Though not harmful, the skin experts understand how melasma affects the appearance of your skin and your self-confidence.

During the exam, your provider reviews your medical and dermatological history, as well as your family history. Sometimes, they may use a special light to see how deeply the pigmented cells penetrate your skin.

Though your provider can diagnose melasma from a visual inspection of your skin, they may take a sample of the pigmented cells and send it out for testing to rule out other causes.

How is melasma treated?

In some cases, melasma may fade away on its own. However, if you’ve been struggling with melasma for years, Knipe Dermatology offers many treatment options to improve the tone of your skin, such as:

  • Hydroquinone or cysteamine to lighten the dark patches
  • Tretinoin and corticosteroids to enhance the skin lightening process
  • Azelaic or kojic acid to support skin lightening
  • Chemical peels to remove the pigmented cells

Your provider at Knipe Dermatology tailors your melasma treatment plan to match your skin type and needs, so you get the best results. 

Though effective, melasma treatments take time, and it may be a few months until you see improvements in your skin tone. Your provider recommends you use sunscreen daily to protect your skin and prevent a recurrence of skin pigmentation.

To schedule a melasma consultation, call Knipe Dermatology, or book an appointment online today.