Q: Which doctor should one consult for melasma?
A: One should consult a dermatologist (skin specialist) for melasma.
Q: Can melasma turn into cancer?
A: Melasma is not cancerous and will not develop into skin cancer.
Q: Is melasma due to some allergy or infection?
A: Melasma is not an infection and is therefore not contagious. It is also not due to an allergy.
Q: What are the side effects of treatment for melasma?
A: Use of hydroquinone (higher concentration) to treat melasma causes skin irritation, phototoxic reactions with secondary post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Some of the depigmenting agents are carcinogenic, so it is better to use home remedies when possible.
Q: Is melasma a hereditary disease?
A: In some cases, melasma is due to genetic predisposition with 40% of the patients having at least one relative affected with the disease.
Q: Can melasma be permanently cured?
A: Melasma can be permanently cured if there is no hormonal imbalance that will cause the melasma reoccurrence. By using protective clothing, adequate sun protection, a sunscreen with a high SPF, and reducing the time spent in direct sunlight, one can prevent the return or persistence of melasma.
