Melasma or karimaangalyam in malayalam is a pigmentary problem that is commonly seen in young adults. It is more common in women. Some factors associated include pregnancy, oral contraceptive pills usage, hypothyroidism, genetic factors and of course sun exposure.

Melasma treatment involves topical and oral medications along with procedures.
As a dermatologist in Kochi/ Tripunithura, melasma is one of the common conditions that I see in my day to day practice. Melasma treatment in Kochi requires special care as this is a tropical place blessed with ample amount of sunlight almost throughout the year,
Topical treatments
Sunscreen - This is a very important step of treatment. Even if the person in indoors, a broad spectrum sunscreen has to be used and repeated every 4 hours.
Depigmenting agents - Hydroquinone, Kojic acid, Alpha arbutin, niacinamide, mulberry extracts, silymarin and curcumin are some of the ingredients in commonly available depigmenting agents. These help in removing the excess melanin in. the skin and lightening the patches.
Ingredients like hydroquinone have to be used only under the supervision of a dermatologist.
Oral treatments
Oral tranexemic acid has been showing very god results in the clearance of melasma. This should be taken only under the dermatologist's guidance.
Procedures
Chemical peels - Chemical peels like glycolic acid based peels, retinol peels help in exfoliating the dead skin cells and improve the treatment outcomes.
Intralesional tranexemic acid - This involves injection of tranexemic acid into the patches of melasma to give lightening effects,
As a dermatologist in Kochi/ Tripunithura, I have often seen that patients misuse skin lightening agents containing hydroquinone and steroids like "Melacare", " Skinlite", etc. Using such creams for many months without supervision can cause adverse skin effects like depigmentation, thinning of skin, acne eruptions, excessive hair, etc.
If you are having melasma issue, do consult us for the best skin treatment in Kochi/ Tripunithura.
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