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Have you been noticing discolored or dark patches on your skin?
Then, most of you must be wondering if it is melasma or hyperpigmentation!
Often, people use both these terms interchangeably and misunderstand them.
Obviously, when you do not define a problem correctly, you cannot address it in the right manner. The result – you keep thinking and worrying about why you aren’t able to treat it.
One of the keys to knowing what those signs mean is to understand the difference between melasma and hyperpigmentation.
So, why wait? Let’s look at some essential aspects differentiating both.
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a skin condition that features patches of brown-tan or blue-gray discoloration, primarily on sun-exposed areas of the skin.
While it isn’t hyperpigmentation itself, it is one of its types, resulting from the overproduction of melanin.
Melasma usually appears on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and upper lips. However, in some cases, you can also see on the neck and forearms.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
So, what is hyperpigmentation?
It is a condition that causes patches of skin to become darker than the surrounding area due to excess melanin production. Hyperpigmentation patches can occur in small areas, cover large areas, or affect the whole body.
Differences Between Melasma and Hyperpigmentation
Now that you know what melasma and hyperpigmentation are, let’s look at the differences between both.
Aspect | Melasma | Hyperpigmentation |
Causes | Common causes include UV exposure, hormonal changes, genetics, dark skin tone, and certain medications and products | Hyperpigmentation can be the result of melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun exposure, certain medications, and medical conditions like Addison’s disease or hemochromatosis |
Appearance | Symmetrical patches, usually gray-brown, brown or bluish in color | Irregularly shaped dark spots or patches, differing in size and intensity |
Common Locations on the Body | Forehead, upper lip, nose, and in some cases arms and neck | Anywhere on the body, including hands, arms and face |
Prevention | Avoiding sun exposure, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, managing pregnancy hormones, using gentle skin care products (dermatologist-recommended), limiting hot treatments, avoiding scrubbing, managing stress, etc. | Using sunscreen, avoiding peak sun hours, wearing protective clothing, refraining from picking at acne or scabs, exfoliating regularly, using only dermatologist-prescribed skin care products, etc. |
Treatment | Topical treatments like azelaic acid, kojic acid, and hydroquinone can help. However, professional procedures also include laser therapy, chemical peels, and microneedling can also help, based on individual suitability. | Hyperpigmentation can be addressed with the help of vitamin C, glycolic acid, or retinoids. On the other hand, clinical procedures like microdermabrasion, laser therapy or chemical peels can also help. |
Treatment Challenges | Melasma treatment demands long-term maintenance. Besides, recurrence is common in some cases. | Hyperpigmentation treatment is usually easier. However, fading may take time based on the cause and the overall response of the body to the treatment. |
Treating Melasma and Hyperpigmentation with a us!
Whether melasma or hyperpigmentation, what matters to everyone is spotless skin and treating the conditions safely and sustainability.
If you are one among them, visit Eva Pimples, Skin and Hair Clinic in Wakad, Pune.
We are a reliable dermatologist in Pune with decades of cumulative experience and a proven track record of treating thousands of patients.
What makes us stand out amidst other skin clinics in Pune is our highly personalized treatment, use of the latest techniques for clinical treatments, and a team of handpicked skin specialists, who’ve excelled in their area of expertise.
Call us at +91 788 799 1919 to book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of melasma?
The types of melasma include epidermal, dermal melasma, and mixed melasma.
Epidermal melasma features excess melanin in the skin’s superficial layers. Dermal melasma has melanophages across the dermis and mixed melasma includes epidermal and dermal melasma.
Are melasma and hyperpigmentation the same?
Every melasma type is hyperpigmentation. However, it isn’t vice versa. Both have differences that make them unique conditions with different treatment measures.
Can you treat melasma permanently?
Melasma treatments can help fade the discoloration. However, these treatments do not prove a permanent measure as the skin condition can recur. Usually, melasma returns when you do not protect your skin from the sun.
Is vitamin C good for hyperpigmentation?
Vitamin C can help reduce hyperpigmentation and even the skin out with noteworthy results in around a month. Regular use under a skin specialist’s guidance can result in visible results in 2-3 months.
