Melasma Treatment in San Antonio
Melasma impacts millions of Americans across the country. This condition expresses itself in discolored patches of skin ranging from gray to brown. It’s most common among women, especially expecting mothers. However, it can also be caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Too much exposure triggers the body to produce more pigment, which may appear unevenly across the skin.
If you’re looking for melasma treatment in San Antonio, RFSA Dermatology is ready to take your call. Schedule your consultation today!
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a skin condition that produces discolored patches in the skin. Primarily impacting women, this hyperpigmentation frequently occurs when hormones are out of balance.
Women of Indian, Middle Eastern, Latin, Asian, North African, and Mediterranean heritage are more prone to hyperpigmentation than males. Darker skin tones contain more active melanocytes – skin cells that produce color — than lighter skin.
These active cells create additional pigment. When sunlight strikes the skin or the body undergoes hormonal changes, these cells’ activity levels increase.
What Causes Melasma?
An overproduction of melanocytes causes melasma. These are the cells that give our skin its color.
Precisely what triggers an overproduction of melanocytes isn’t fully understood. However, it’s believed to be catalyzed by any of the following:
- Sunlight. When UV rays touch our skin, they trigger our bodies to produce more melanin as a protective measure. This explains why melasma develops on skin that receives consistent sunlight on the face, neck, and arms.
- Pregnancy. During pregnancy, there is an increase in the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are believed to trigger melasma.
- Medications. Not all pharmaceutical drugs cause melasma. However, medicines like birth control pills or anti-seizure pills can trigger this condition in some people.
- Stress. When our bodies are stressed, they produce more cortisol. High amounts of this hormone could trigger melasma, leading to discoloration on the skin.
- Tanning beds. These types of treatments produce intense UV rays. Exposing your skin to these rays causes it to produce more pigment, which sometimes appears in blotchy patches or freckle-like spots.
If you’ve noticed discolored patches on your skin that could be caused by any of the above factors, schedule a consultation with RFSA Dermatology today to discuss your case.
How Is Melasma Treated?
The fundamental goal of melasma treatment is to minimize or remove hyperpigmentation. The patient determines the schedule of treatment.
Some patients prefer to delay formalized care to gradually allow melanin production to revert to normal levels. This might happen several months after childbirth, after hormone medication, or after changing birth control methods.
There are over-the-counter treatments available to reduce melanin formation in the skin. However, the concentration of active substances in these medications is substantially lower without a prescription. As a result, the benefits acquired through self-care may be less than optimal.
If melasma does not go away on its own, RFSA may suggest various treatment options. Prescription lotions containing hydroquinone or retinoids are routinely used to treat melasma, as these chemicals brighten dark spots on the skin in a gentle fashion. Retinoids, which are sourced from vitamin A, are advantageous to melasma sufferers because they inhibit melanocyte activity.
Accelerated cell turnover treatments may also work wonders because they help quicken the transition from discolored skin to an equal tone. Microdermabrasion is another option patients can explore for melasma treatment in San Antonio.
Can It Be Prevented?
There is no way to totally prevent melasma because it can result from altering hormones, which are predisposed by heredity. However, patients can take certain actions to minimize future excess melanin production if a documented risk factor exists. Examples of possible established risk factors include a genetic history of melasma and the onset of the condition during a prior pregnancy.
UV protection is critical in the treatment and prevention of melasma. Sun exposure should be avoided as much as possible, with no exposure during peak hours being recommended. Wearing protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves can reduce exposure to UV radiation.
Sunscreen is also critical for melasma sufferers; a high-quality sunscreen that filters both UVA and UVB rays is essential. Patients may also choose to double their protection by wearing cream sunscreen and then topping it with mineral powder cosmetics that contain protective properties.
Aside from its physical impacts, melasma can directly impact your confidence and your desire to engage in social environments. That’s why treating it is an absolute must for many patients.
Is Melasma Treatment Covered by Insurance?
Most insurance companies recognize melasma as a medical disease and give extensive coverage for these treatments. Thus, melasma treatment in San Antonio ought to be covered. Insurance is subject to co-pays and deductibles, so when you contact us to schedule an appointment, we can verify whether we accept your specific insurance and what your co-pay will be.
We also welcome patients who aren’t signed up for an insurance plan and charge them what the average insurance company would allow. Hence, customers paying out of pocket won’t be forced to pay in excess compared to those with an insurance plan.
RFSA Dermatology For Melasma
Our main priority at RFSA Dermatology is to offer San Antonio top-of-the-line care. Our team of skincare professionals has extensive experience with melasma cases and uses state-of-the-art technology to reverse the effects of discoloration.
It all begins with a consultation where we’ll go over your skin condition and type to determine the best plan tailored to your needs. We’ll also offer guidance on protecting your skin from further occurrences of melasma. Our board-certified dermatologists will have you looking your best in no time, no matter if you’re dealing with melasma or any other dermatological condition.
Book a Consultation Now!
If you’re struggling with melasma or any other skin-related illnesses, our team of experts at RFSA Dermatology is happy to assist you. We welcome patients to book consultations at either of our convenient San Antonio locations — Olmos Park and Castle Hill.
Get in touch with us today by booking a consultation online or giving us a call. We look forward to serving you!
