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Can melasma be painful? What should I do?

I have melasma on both of my jawlines. It is flat, reddish brown and painful. It's been here for 2 weeks. I saw a dentist and my doctor and they don't know what's going on. I had labs and MRI and they were normal. I'm assuming it's melasma. Can melasma be painful?

Doctor Answers 4

September 11th, 2016

Seek the cause of the melasma pain

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Melasma itself is not painful. However, sometimes there may be associated inflammation from an unknown source that can be the cause of the skin tenderness. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

Learn more: http://www.kareplasticsurgery.com

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS
August 22nd, 2016

No, melasma is not painful

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See a MEDICAL dermatologist, melasma is not painful. This maybe a inflammatory skin disease such as cutaneous lupus, or other rare skin conditions. A diagnosis is essentially before treatment. Melsama never causes physical pain. Never ever.All the best, Dr Davin Lim
Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD
July 28th, 2016

Melasma and Pain

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Please post a photo to better help you.  Melasma should not be painful.  I suggest Cosmelan to best treat melasma.  Please consult a board certified dermatologist to examine your skin. Best, Dr. Green

Learn more: http://www.michelegreenmd.com/cosmelan

Michele S. Green, MD
July 25th, 2016

Pigment on the jawline associated with pain

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Thank you for your question tryingtofigure. Melasma is a common condition characterized by the appearance of dark patches on the skin. It can be challenging to treat. Areas most commonly affected include the upper cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. Melasma is not commonly seen on the jawline and melasma is not associated with pain. I recommend speaking with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.