Struggling with brown patches or melasma? At The Velvet Skin Centre, our skin doctor offers advanced pigmentation treatments for clear, radiant skin.
Dr. Asma Parveen, MBBS, MD Dermatology | 14+ Years Experience
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Melasma is a common skin problem. The condition causes dark, discoloured patches on your skin.
It’s also named chloasma, or the “mask of pregnancy,” when it appears in pregnant women. The situation is much more common in females than males, though males can get it too. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, ninety per cent of people who develop melasma are women
Melasma has two leading causes: radiation (ultraviolet, visible light, infrared/heat light) and hormones.
| Cause | Details |
|---|---|
| UV & Infrared Radiation | Ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the sun is critical in making melasma worse. |
| Antiseizure Medications | Medications that stop you from having seizures may cause melasma. An example is Clobazam (Onfi). |
| Contraceptive Therapy | Individuals who use oral contraceptive pills that contain estrogen and progesterone. |
| Estrogen/Diethylstilbestrol | Diethylstilbestrol is a synthetic form of the hormone estrogen. There’s a link between increased estrogen and melasma. |
Melasma causes patches of discolouration. The patches are darker compared to your usual skin colour. It commonly appears symmetrical on the face, with matching patterns on both sides. Other areas of your body often exposed to the sun can also develop melasma.
Brownish-coloured patches usually appear on the following:
It can even occur on the neck and forearms. Skin discolouration doesn’t do any physical damage, but you might feel self-conscious about how it looks.
If you detect these signs of melasma, see your healthcare specialist. They might refer you to a dermatologist specializing in treating skin disorders.
A visible exam of the affected area is usually adequate to diagnose melasma. However, to rule out specific causes, your healthcare professional might also conduct some tests.
| Diagnostic Test | What It Checks |
|---|---|
| Visual Examination | Affected area, pattern, and distribution |
| Wood’s Lamp Test | Determines how many layers of skin the melasma affects; checks for bacterial and fungal disorders |
| Biopsy | Removes a small piece of affected skin to check for any serious skin conditions |
Melasma may go away on its own. It usually happens when a trigger, such as pregnancy or a medication, causes melasma. For example, melasma can fade when you deliver your baby or stop taking the drug.
Melasma can even last for years or even a lifetime. So while melasma cannot damage your body, it’s comprehensible that multiple people want to treat it.
If you choose to treat melasma, your dermatologist will design a treatment plan tailored to your requirements. Your program will consider your skin tone, how deeply the melasma reaches your skin, and any triggers you may have.
The goals of treatment are to:
| Treatment | What It Does | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Peels | Exfoliate the top layer of skin to reduce pigmentation | Mild-to-moderate melasma |
| Cosmelan Treatment | Advanced depigmentation peel that reduces melanin overproduction | Stubborn melasma, resistant pigmentation |
| Laser Therapy | Targets pigment cells and stimulates collagen | Moderate-to-severe melasma |
| Topical Creams | Hydroquinone, retinol, or azelaic acid to lighten patches | Maintenance and mild cases |
| Oral Medications | Tranexamic acid to reduce pigment production | Severe or resistant melasma |
The cost of melasma treatment depends on the treatment type, area, and number of sessions required.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Chemical Peels (per session) | Starting from ₹2,500 |
| Cosmelan Treatment | ₹20,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Laser Therapy (per session) | Starting from ₹4,000 |
| Topical Creams | Starting from ₹500 |
| Package Pricing | Discounted rates available for multiple sessions |
*Final pricing is determined after your consultation with Dr. Asma, based on your specific needs and treatment plan.
While melasma cannot always be prevented, you can reduce flare-ups with these tips:
Dr. Asma Parveen is a renowned dermatologist with an MD in Dermatology and over 14 years of clinical experience. She is known for her honest approach, personalised treatment plans, and natural-looking results.
Melasma requires accurate assessment and a personalised treatment plan based on the depth of pigmentation and your skin type. Dr. Asma personally evaluates every patient and frequently combines treatments such as Cosmelan, chemical peels, and topical creams for optimal results.
Indira Nagar
Thakurganj
Melasma can last for years or even a lifetime, but it is treatable. With the right treatment plan, pigmentation can be significantly reduced and managed.
No, melasma is not contagious. It is a pigmentation disorder triggered by UV radiation, hormones, or medications.
Melasma can be managed and significantly improved, but it may recur, especially with sun exposure or hormonal changes. Consistent sun protection and maintenance treatments are key.
Results vary by treatment. Chemical peels may show improvement in 2–4 weeks. Cosmelan treatment results are visible within a few weeks. Laser therapy may require multiple sessions over several months.
At The Velvet Skin Centre:
Your exact cost will be confirmed at consultation.
Yes, all treatments at The Velvet Skin Centre are US-FDA approved and safe for Indian skin when performed by an experienced dermatologist. Settings are customised to avoid post-treatment pigmentation.
Yes, melasma can recur, especially if you don’t protect your skin from the sun or if hormonal triggers persist. Maintenance treatments and daily sun protection significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
Mild melasma may respond to OTC creams containing hydroquinone or azelaic acid, but prescription-strength treatments are often more effective. If OTC products don’t work within 2–3 months, consult a dermatologist.
Don’t let melasma affect your confidence. Book your consultation with Dr. Asma and experience personalised care with advanced treatment options.
Call us today at 8002558860 or fill out the form below to schedule your consultation and claim your 10% OFF on your first visit!
