Melasma on the Neck?

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

Hello, melasma can be treated using the following:
-Pico lasers- The best type of laser for improving the condition.  Please note it takes multiple steps to improve melasma safely
-Nd:YAG Nano lasers with toning- Here a laser is used for deeply resistant melasma to break up particles without generating excessive heat
-Melanage peels- A variety of peels can work and melanage is one of the best for melasma
-Skin topicals- A variety of products including use of lighteners (we prefer natural lighteners such as arubtase found in our product Luminoso) as well as sunscreens can help improve the condition
-Lifestyle choices-Avoiding the sun, hormonal changes (we have a hormone expert in Dr. Chughtai in our office) can all impact melasma.
While melasma is common, patients must understand a multi pronged approach is often the best strategy and controlling this condition.
Best, 
Anil Shah MD

Neck and mandibular melasma is quite common. There may be associated poikiloderma. I would begin with Melarase AM, Melarase PM, Melapads, and Replenish cream prior to any laser or IPL therapy.Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

Melasma can occur on the neck or more generalized hyperpigmentation from irritation and neck moisture. Daily good habits with topicals may well help you chieve your goals with a good skin system like the Brightening Kit from KareSkin (see link). You may want to start with Melarase and Pigmentation Correction Complex. Scler-X from another vendor is for PIH relief (see link). 
Melarase AM is non hydroquinone based and allowed for use in the EU and UK.
Best

H Karamanoukian MD FACS

Thank you for your question BrTsr. Melasma is a common condition characterized by the appearance of dark patches on the skin. Commonly affected areas include the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip, as these areas have high levels of sun exposure. The neck is an uncommon area to be affected with melasma. Poikiloderma if Civatte and acanthosis nigricans are more common on the neck. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Yes it is possible. You may also have another condition called poikiloderma (usually a little red with brown). A photo will be helpful. Melasma can not be completely cured, however effective treatment are possible. This is because your skin is extremely sensitive to UV and even the smallest amount can stimulate your pigment cells to produce colour. The mainstay of treatment is strict UV protection- hats, sunglasses and SPF every 4 hours.

I prefer to use a combination of creams and laser for melasma. Hydroquinone can be used (5-8%), along with vitamin A creams. I usually start my patients on laser (low dose Q switch or Picosure) a few weeks after they commence on creams.





In some cases I combine glycolic AHA peels, and in other cases I use a tablet called Tranexamic acid to help.



All the best,





Dr Davin Lim



Laser, surgical and aesthetic dermatologist



Brisbane, Australia