What is this dark line across my nose? Is it 'melasma'? (Photo)

Question

I had this dark line on my nose when I was about 14 but it disappeared. It came back again when I turned 19. I am now 21 and a lot of people have been questioning it, including my boyfriend, and its getting really embarassing. A co-worker told me its just a dark spot and I read that its called 'mask of preganancy' but I'm not pregant. I need an answer please, I would appreciate it. Thank you.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Chrissie.  It's hard to say from the photos, but Melasma has a fairly distinct pattern that does not normally look like your photo. Yes it sometimes appears on the nose, but not typically in a thin straight line.  It's more likely that it's from an old injury that never completely healed.  To remove the color, we would use q-switched lasers or high strength hydroquinone.   To see examples of scar removal before and after photos in Los Angeles, click on the link below.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, Melasma needs a combination approach to get the best improvement and will need a series of treatments. In our practice, we combine Clear + Brilliant, peels, microneedling/PRP, Aerolase, and sometimes Erbium (Cool Laser) to get the best results. See an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Skin discoloration is a very prevalent problem in women over the age of twenty.  It is also increasingly common in men with increased sun exposure, but mainly occurs in women. 
Risk factors include thyroid disease, sun exposure, hormones, pregnancy, family history, PIH, and birth control. Melarase AM and Melarase PM have been extremely effective in reducing pigmentation associated with skin discoloration and hyperstimulation of melanocytes. 
In my practice, patients with hyperpigmentation benefit from twice daily application of the creams. Melarase AM in the morning, followed by Melarase PM in the evening. Melarase AM contains four active sunblocks, so additional sunscreen is not needed unless your sun exposure is very high or you had a recent procedure/laser. SPF of 30. Melarase PM contains active skin lighteners to even out skin pigmentation. If you are concerned about the development of pigmentation, contact our office to discuss details and to obtain a regimen for Melarase. 
Laser therapy works but must be combined with a therapeutic topical program before and after therapy. 
Recommendations:  5-step Daily Brightening Kit has everything you need to improve dark spots, skin discoloration, melasma, and hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure, hormones, scarring, and the environment. It’s a powerful daily brightening kit that can help bring out your skin’s natural, healthy glow. Ideal for use on the face, neck, and hands. 
Includes: Melaclenz, Melapads, Melarase AM, Melarase PM, Elevase, and Spectrase
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
#Realself100 Surgeon

Morris Westfried, MD · Answer

This can be lightened by a q switched laser in one or two sessions. If necessary it can be combined with a bleaching cream containing hydroquinone.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Do you suffer from hay fever- ie. do you rub your nose UPWARDS? This may account for the marks. Regardless this mark can be treated with Q Switch lasers and HQ creams. Video below. All the best,

Dr Davin Lim

Laser, surgical and aesthetic
dermatologist

Brisbane, Australia

What is this dark line across my nose? Is it 'melasma'? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Hyperpigmentation

Answer: Hyperpigmentation

Answer: Melasma and hay fever.

Answer: Melasma and hay fever.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What is this dark line across my nose? Is it 'melasma'? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Hyperpigmentation

Answer: Hyperpigmentation

Answer: Melasma and hay fever.

Answer: Melasma and hay fever.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.