Hyperpigmentation, or melasma, is characterized by brown or brownish-gray patches on the skin, mainly the face. Women are the most prone to this condition, and it can be a cosmetic concern due to the change in skin color. While this is a common skin problem, it does not pose a health risk, only an aesthetic issue. For those with melasma, treatment is available at Precision Medical Specialists. Our board certified dermatologist, Dr. Katherine Chiang, offers advanced treatment plans for her patients with hyperpigmentation at our medical center in Wellington, FL.

What Causes Skin Discoloration or Hyperpigmentation?

About 90% of melasma cases are in women, and most have these discolorations occur on their face. The blotchy patches may appear on the cheeks, forehead, nose, chin and above the upper lip. People of color or with darker skin are more likely to develop melasma, as are those that have a history of melasma in their family.

There are many factors that can trigger melasma, two of which are sun exposure and hormonal changes. Since the face has the most sun exposure, it is the most likely place for melasma to occur. Hormonal changes can also trigger hyperpigmentation. Women who are pregnant are often susceptible to melasma. Also, taking medications that contain or affect hormones like birth control or hormone replacement therapy can trigger melasma.

Melasma, or hyperpigmentation, is a tricky chronic skin condition to treat that almost always needs long-term maintenance therapy. It is best treated by a dermatologist like Dr. Chiang who has a special interest in melasma and has successfully treated many melasma patients. Dr. Chiang has a tried-and-true melasma protocol, which includes topical sunscreen, topical compounded skin-lightening agents, topical pigment balancers, oral antioxidants, chemical peels and select laser treatments. Every treatment plan is personalized to the patient to ensure the best results.

Trust your skin to a West Palm Beach melasma expert. At Precision Medical Specialists, we serve patients from the following cities at our Wellington facility: Palm Beach, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach and Delray Beach. Contact our office to schedule a melasma treatment consultation with Dr. Katherine Chiang.