Does anyone know a treatment for melasma that actually works?

It appeared on my face about 4 years ago. I've seen many doctors, tried all sorts of creams, always using sunblock and trying to stay away from the sun. It's not only not going away, but actually spreading further. Cannot identify the cause - the usual culprits - pregnancy, pills, etc. - are not the reason in my case. Does anyone know any effective treatment?

Don't know if this is related, but have also been suffering from hair loss since about the same time as melasma appeared. Any clue?

Thanks.

Does anyone know a treatment for melasma that actually works?

FIRST OFF, AN ADD: if you can, see a doctor specializing in Endocrinology or Endocrinologist, IF YOU CAN'T, ask that your doctors TEST these GLANDULAR levels, because SOMETHING IS WRONG SOMEWHERE. Or this wouldn't be going on.

hmm, perhaps below for the hair loss, but it could also be caused be excess male hormones, have u increased in male symptoms, like an Adams Apple, or greasy face, or perhaps a small "mustache." If not, what about "female changes." Or, even if NONE of these, the hair alone could be the sign. . . , or perhaps its its just alopecia . . .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alopecia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alopecia_ar...

However, for the Melasma (or Mask of Pregnancy) I'd go to a department store like Dillards, Sears, or a High End one (or even Walgreens drug store) and look for a CREAM with 4% HYDROQUININE in it. This will lighten your skin, hopefully removing the blemish. However, if it isn't enough, you can see a dermatologist to get an 8% Hydroquinine cream, or Retin-a that will remove the dermise. Also, it sounds like an overproduction of "melanin" and your dermatologist may need to "paint" you to remove the offending skin color permanently (much like Michael Jackson) but this is usually done ONLY to the collar line and not in such a DRASTIC manner. I have a condition called Vitiligo where I have "white" patches appear (the opposite problem as you) and I decided simply to "stay out of the sun" instead of getting "painted." It has now been 10 years out of the sun and I'm as pale as can be, but you can't see any white spots either! Woot! So good luck!

Does anyone know a treatment for melasma that actually works?

Melasma- This is a common codition, characterized by well defined, brown pigmented patches on the cheek, forehead and upper lip. The lesions are usually symmetrical. It is mainly seen in females, occuring during pregnancy and in those who are on oral contraceptives. Lesions may fade in post partum period or after discontinuation of oral contraceptive but often persist.

Treatment consists of avoidance of sun exposure and use of sun screens like paraaminobenzoic acid (5-10%). Tropical application of 2-5% hydroquinone with 0.1% retinoic acid and 0.025% triameinolone acetate may be useful.

Please see the webpages for more details on Melasma and Alopecia areata.