{"id":29131,"date":"2023-09-16T09:00:51","date_gmt":"2023-09-16T13:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/platohealth.ai\/melasma-new-dark-patches-or-freckling-a-dermatologist-offers-tips-on-dealing-with-it-drugs-com-mednews\/"},"modified":"2023-09-16T15:19:22","modified_gmt":"2023-09-16T19:19:22","slug":"melasma-new-dark-patches-or-freckling-a-dermatologist-offers-tips-on-dealing-with-it-drugs-com-mednews","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/platohealth.ai\/melasma-new-dark-patches-or-freckling-a-dermatologist-offers-tips-on-dealing-with-it-drugs-com-mednews\/","title":{"rendered":"Melasma: New Dark Patches or Freckling — A Dermatologist Offers Tips on Dealing With It – Drugs.com MedNews","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

By Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter<!—-><\/p>\n

SATURDAY, Sept. 16, 2023 — Dark patches or freckle-like spots on the face are melasma, and it\u2019s possible both to prevent them and make them less noticeable, according to a skin expert.<\/p>\n

Dr. Rebecca Kazin<\/a>, a Rockville, Md., dermatologist, offers some tips for dealing with these patches, which are caused by sun exposure, pregnancy, stress, certain medications and sometimes a medical condition.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile melasma may go away on its own, it can persist for years,\u201d Kazin said in a news release from the American Academy of Dermatology. \u201cAlthough melasma is not harmful, people often want to treat it.”<\/p>\n

A dermatologist can create an individualized treatment plan using different therapies to address each patient’s concerns, she said.<\/p>\n

Melanocytes, the cells that give skin its color, are more active in darker complexions, so melasma can be more noticeable with darker skin tones.<\/p>\n

Kazin and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend protecting the skin from the sun.<\/p>\n

Seek shade when outdoors. Wear sun-protective clothing, including a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.<\/p>\n

Choosing clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label can offer even more protection.<\/p>\n

Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on all skin not covered by clothing whenever you\u2019re outdoors, even on cloudy days.<\/p>\n

Reapply sunscreen every two hours, more often if you have been swimming or sweating.<\/p>\n

Use tinted sunscreen to protect yourself from the visible light, which has been shown to worsen melasma, especially in people with darker skin tones. Use a tinted sunscreen that contains iron oxides in addition to having an SPF 30 or higher.<\/p>\n

Protect your skin from irritation by choosing gentle, fragrance-free skin care and makeup products.<\/p>\n

Cover up with makeup. It takes time for melasma treatments to work, so covering uneven skin tone can make your melasma less noticeable if the appearance bothers you. A dermatologist can offer tips.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep in mind that other conditions can also cause an uneven skin tone,\u201d Kazin said. \u201cFor an accurate diagnosis, partner with a board-certified dermatologist.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Sources<\/h2>\n