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UCLA Dermatology

UCLA Dermatology

UCLA Dermatology
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    • Bedbugs
    • Dry Skin
    • Genital Warts
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    • Herpes Simplex
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    • Lichen Planus
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    • Pityriasis Rosea
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    • Psoriasis Arthritis
    • Rosacea
    • Scabies
    • Scalp psoriasis
    • Seborrheic Dermatitis
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UCLA Dermatology

Conditions Treated

Conditions Treated

Conditions Treated

  • Cosmetic Conditions
  • Conditions Treated Through Surgery
  • Acanthosis Nigricans
  • Acne
  • Actinic Keratosis
  • Alopecia Areata
  • Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
  • Basal Cell Carcinoma
  • Bedbugs
  • Dry Skin
  • Genital Warts
  • Hair Loss (Baldness)
  • Head Lice
  • Herpes Simplex
  • Hives
  • Lichen Planus
  • Melanoma
  • Melasma
  • Moles
  • Molluscum Contagiosum
  • Nummular Dermatitis
  • Pityriasis Rosea
  • Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac
  • Psoriasis
  • Psoriasis Arthritis
  • Rosacea
  • Scabies
  • Scalp psoriasis
  • Seborrheic Dermatitis
  • Seborrheic Keratoses
  • Shingles
  • Skin Cancer
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma
  • Tinea Versicolor
  • Vitiligo
  • Warts
  • Cosmetic Conditions
  • Conditions Treated Through Surgery
  • Acanthosis Nigricans
  • Acne
  • Actinic Keratosis
  • Alopecia Areata
  • Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
  • Basal Cell Carcinoma
  • Bedbugs
  • Dry Skin
  • Genital Warts
  • Hair Loss (Baldness)
  • Head Lice
  • Herpes Simplex
  • Hives
  • Lichen Planus
  • Melanoma
  • Melasma
  • Moles
  • Molluscum Contagiosum
  • Nummular Dermatitis
  • Pityriasis Rosea
  • Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac
  • Psoriasis
  • Psoriasis Arthritis
  • Rosacea
  • Scabies
  • Scalp psoriasis
  • Seborrheic Dermatitis
  • Seborrheic Keratoses
  • Shingles
  • Skin Cancer
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma
  • Tinea Versicolor
  • Vitiligo
  • Warts
  1. Home
  2. Conditions Treated
  3. Melasma

Melasma

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What Is Melasma?

Melasma is a condition that causes dark spots on the face, especially the cheeks and forehead. Other common areas where people may develop melasma include:

  • Bridge of the nose
  • Chin
  • Above the upper lip
  • Other parts of the body that are exposed to the sun, such as the forearms and neck

Melasma and Pregnancy

Melasma can be triggered by sun exposure, cosmetics or hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or birth control pills. Women are more commonly affected than men.

Signs and Symptoms of Melasma

Melasma appears as blotchy brown or gray patches of skin anywhere on the face or other sun-exposed areas. It does not have any other symptoms.

Treatment for Melasma

Melasma can fade on its own, especially if the trigger causing it stops. Some people can have melasma for years—or even a lifetime. Sunlight worsens melasma, so avoiding sunlight and wearing an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day is vital to treating melasma.

UCLA dermatologists offer treatments for melasma that does not go away, including:

  • Hydroquinone: a medicated cream, lotion, gel or liquid that lightens the skin
  • Tretinoin and corticosteroids: medications used as a secondary treatment to enhance skin lightening
  • Other topical (skin-based) medicines to help lighten melasma

Procedures that we may use to fade melasma include:

  • Chemical peels
  • Laser treatments

Contact Us

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (310) 206-SKIN.

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