Can melasma be treated?
Yes, melasma treatment options are available for a variety of skin types and tones, but only your doctor can help you decide which treatment option is right for your skin. If you think you have melasma, start by making an appointment with your doctor to get a definitive diagnosis and to discuss your treatment options.
Some melasma treatments take the form of a cream, and some of these creams may be prescribed by a dermatologist, depending on the severity of the melasma. An active ingredient in these creams may be hydroquinone, a commonly used skin-lightening agent.
If you experience skin irritation or a blue-black darkening of the skin when using skin-lightening creams that contain hydroquinone, consult your dermatologist immediately.
It is also possible for melasma to fade on its own. This is most commonly seen after a pregnancy or when a woman stops taking birth control pills.