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Our Services / Melasma

Melasma

Melasma services offered in Columbia, MD

Throughout a woman’s childbearing years, hormone changes can cause melasma, dark skin patches that form across your nose, around your cheeks, and on other areas of your face. At Dermatology & Advanced Skin Care, a range of noninvasive treatments are available to even out your complexion and reduce the visibility of melasma discoloration. The board-certified dermatologists can prescribe medications or recommend treatments like chemical peels or microneedling. They also use advanced laser technology to eliminate dark pigments in the skin without harming nearby tissue. Call the Columbia, Maryland, office today to schedule a melasma evaluation or book a consultation online.

Melasma Q & A

What is melasma?

Melasma is a skin condition that causes irregularly shaped brown or bluish-gray skin patches due to an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. These darkened skin patches are especially common on the cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, and upper lip.

Dermatology & Advanced Skin Care offers comprehensive care for adults bothered by melasma-related skin discoloration.

The board-certified dermatologists use state-of-the-art laser technology to improve your complexion. The physicians also provide preventive resources to stop your melasma symptoms from worsening.

What causes melasma?

While the root cause of melasma isn’t well understood, fluctuations in a woman’s hormone levels can trigger skin color changes.

Hormone fluctuations occur in women who use hormonal birth control methods. Melasma is also common in pregnant women and is often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy.”

Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays (UV) rays can also contribute to melasma symptoms, especially if you’re not wearing sunscreen when you spend time outdoors.

Other risk factors for melasma include:

  • Genetics
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Anti-seizure medications
  • Exposure to tanning beds or LED lights

Makeup and skin care products can also worsen melasma symptoms, especially if they cause a phototoxic reaction that increases your skin’s sensitivity to light.

The Dermatology & Advanced Skin Care providers assess the health of your skin and can use a special light to see color changes. They may also request bloodwork to check for a thyroid disorder or a hormone imbalance.

How is melasma treated?

In some cases, melasma symptoms may go away without medical treatment. You should continue to use high-quality sunscreen to protect your skin from UV light and avoid sun exposure as much as possible.

If your melasma persists, the Dermatology & Advanced Skin Care physicians may recommend changing your birth control to a non-hormonal method. They might also prescribe medications to address an underlying thyroid disorder.

To treat the color changes in your skin, the providers may recommend strategies like:

  • Topical medications
  • Oral medication or supplements
  • Chemical peels
  • Microneedling
  • Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy

The board-certified dermatologists also offer the Clarity II™, a dual wavelength laser technology that breaks up darkened pigments in the skin without damaging surrounding tissue.

Call Dermatology & Advanced Skin Care today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of melasma or book a skin consultation online.

Front desk was friendly and provided great customer service. In my experience doctors offices tend to run behind, which I understand, but we were seen at the time of our appointment, so no waiting time. The doctor was friendly, informed and answered all our questions.
Debra Dyer
I entered the new office and was greeted kindly by the staff. After a short wait, I saw Dr. Girardi and he greeted me well. I explained my issues and After a good treatment, I was very pleased with the visit. Overall, the experience was very good.
Gary Taylor
Dr Kuppalli and her entire staff are absolutely amazing. The care and attention they provide is wonderful. I am especially appreciative to the time and effort they have provided to me in dealing with my health insurance.
John Shick
Everyone in the practice was so kind and caring. Their approach was especially comforting considering that the patient was my young daughter, who was a bit nervous about getting a few moles checked out.
Amy Noggle
I love Dr. Kuppalli because she is gentle, patient and responsive. Her staff are professional and kind. The only problem I have with this practice is that they don’t have enough appts. to be regularly seen.I’ve considered seeing another practice additionally to get my skin needs met.
Jan Carey
New office is bright, big and on the first floor off McGaw Rd.. visit was a quick one. I was in and out in 10 min. This was not the annual scan, just a minor visit .... Meredith was great!
Kim D