Melasma and feeling depressed

I have melasma almost all over my face, very low self esteem, do not go anywhere very depressed. Have Well care insurance and need some help. Thanks Ethel

Ethel I’m so glad you wrote about your melasma and feeling depressed!    I think this subject doesn’t get talked about enough and you’re helping others by asking!   Many women, especially if their melasma is severe suffer from a loss of self confidence, a sense of self consciousness and embarassment and even sometimes shame.  All of these can lead to social isolation and depression.

Also, many women who have melasma are post-partum and have just had  baby.  Depression after having a baby is very common and needs to be treated.   Here are some suggestions for this problem in general:

  1. Call your primary care doctor asap and make an appointment.   Feeling depressed like this is very serious and needs to be treated by a doctor.  Please call him or her today!
  2. Start reaching out to friends and family.   Women with this problem often feel isolated.  Call a sister, a cousin or a friend and talk to her about how much this is bothering you.  Chances are that they will be very supportive.
  3. If you’ve just had a baby, please also call your doctor or midwife and tell them about this problem also.
  4. Remember that your skin WILL get better, this problem can be controlled so that it’s not visible after some treatment and time.
  5. After you’ve talked to your doctors about the depression, a dermatologist or an experienced aesthetician can really help.   Here’s a link to my article on Melasma In Depth.  It has more information on melasma and treatment options.   Don’t sign up for any peels or lasers until you read this on melasma, and you may want to read my various blog posts on melasma.
  6. Start a zinc containing sunscreen every day as soon as possible.  It makes a big difference.   Look for sunscreen with 12-20 percent zinc.   The higher you can tolerate the better.  One of the best for this is the DermaQuest Sheer Zinc, with over 18% zinc, in tinted or non-tinted.
  7. Start wearing a brimmed hat every time you are outside.

Hope this helps with those having melasma and feeling depresses,   Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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