It’s important to reiterate that Photomelanosis is not a disease. It is a cosmetic skin condition that can also be self-managed. If you are comfortable with skin pigmentation or melasma on the face or body, you have a choice to let it be, especially if it’s mild. However, if the melasma spots are very conspicuous, it’s completely normal to be bothered by it and seek Photomelanosis treatment by a dermatologist.
In many cases, melasma or Photomelanosis fades away on its own. If you reduce sun exposure or move to a less tropical area, chances are it’ll go away on its own.
Melasma during pregnancy is very common too and once a woman gives birth or stops taking birth control, melasma on the skin tends to disappear on its own.
However, some people suffer from Photomelanosis for years and even for life. Here are some Photomelanosis treatment options your dermatologist can suggest:
Topical Prescription Medications: In most cases, your dermatologist will prescribe topical prescription medicines depending on your skin type and severity of the condition.
These include:
- Hydroquinone – It comes as a gel, lotion or liquid and needs to be applied on the skin like any other regular cream. You can get some forms of Hydroquinone over the counter without a prescription, but the ones your dermatologist will prescribe usually has a higher concentration and you need a prescription to buy those.
- Topical Corticosteroids – These are mainly skin lightening creams that help reduce the conspicuousness of the pigmentation spots on your skin
- Other topical creams – Your dermatologist may prescribe other creams such as Azelaic Acid or Tranexamic acids for light melasma of skin
Some over the top options for Photomelanosis:
Over the counter creams and medicines for Photomelanosis treatment may work only for very mild cases and will help maintain your skin post recovery but they’re not suitable for severe cases. Here are some products you can try:
-
Glycolic acid – It allows dead cells to fall off rapidly leaving your skin more clearer. Works quite well for mild cases of melasma
- Licorice extract
- Vitamin C – Supplements are easily available across pharmaceutical stores
Always check for side effects before using these products. If you’re experiencing dry skin or skin peeling, talk to a dermatologist.
Procedural treatments:
Based on your condition, your dermatologist can also recommend some in-office procedures to help relieve you of melasma on face, arms or body. Here are some common procedures and some of the best treatments for melasma especially when severe:
- Microdermabrasion
- Chemical peeling
- Laser treatment
These are some common Photomelanosis treatment options. If you’re seeking to be free from this condition, book an appointment with a dermatologist near you in on the MFine app and get treated!
Find a suitable photomelanosis treatment plan by consulting a dermatologist on MFine now!