How do you find a dermatologist that is an expert in treating melasma?

Dr. Irwin
March 15, 2015
How do you find a dermatologist that is an expert in treating melasma?

This is a very tough question, because the truth is that there is no true cure for melasma, just good control.  And, even that is hard to achieve sometimes.

I was just attending the IMCAS conference in Paris and went to every talk I could find on pigment problems.   I think it’s safe to say that none of us, even some of the best in the world, are happy with the options and results for melasma right now.  There was also a general consensus that, unless done very carefully, lasers can make this problem worse.

Having said that we all do agree that optimizing your topicals in your daily skin care  (and this could include hydroquinones for periods of time) is very important.  Here are ideas for good products for melasma.    Hydroquinones 4% or higher are by prescription only in the U.S.

Start there and then search in your area for offices that have information on their websites about it or seem to have a special interest in it.   More readers Q&A on melasma. 

Hope this helps,  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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