Does heat make melasma flare up? (photo)

Melasma is a common problem in adult men and women. There are many causes, including hormones, genetic risks, and sun exposure. There may also be many less common causes including heat. In our office, we recommend Melarase AM and Melarase PM creams for melasma. Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACS

Melasma
is a common skin condition and usually appears on the face, cheeks, bridge of
nose, forehead, chin and upper lip in dark patches. Most Melasma occurs in
women, but 10% of those affected are men. People with darker skin tones
including Latin, Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and North African
descent tend to have Melasma more than others.

The
cause is unknown but pregnancy, birth control pills, cosmetics, hormone
therapy, and sun exposure often trigger Melasma. The more pigmentation your
skin has the more melanocytes you have. Production of melanocytes is increased
when the skin is irritated or exposed to rising hormones and the sun. In fact,
even a small amount of sun exposure is the main reason Melasma returns after
fading.

Consult
with a Board Certified Dermatologist to see if you have Melasma and what
treatments are best for you.

I don't know that heat will necessarily make melasma worse, but the heat does increase circulation in the skin.  The increased circulation in the skin can often make skin issues more noticeable.  I would recommend that you get on a good skin care regimen that specifically targets hyperpigmentation.  In my office we often do a deep peel called "apeele".  We have successfully treated hyperpigmentation with this peel as it contains hydroquinone and "temporarily quiets the melanocytes.  I recommend that you seek a board certified plastic surgeon who has an experienced esthetician.  Melasma can be managed with proper skin care.