Hyperpigmentation and Melasma Treatment in Sharjah

What is hyperpigmentation and melasma treatment?

Hyperpigmentation and melasma treatment is a prescribed programme that slows the skin's overproduction of melanin, the brown pigment, and helps existing pigment clear. Hyperpigmentation is the umbrella term for any skin that is darker than its surroundings. Melasma is one specific, hormone- and light-driven type that forms symmetrical brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin.

The type of pigment decides the treatment, so diagnosis comes first.

| Pigment type | What it looks like | Common drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Melasma | Symmetrical patches on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip | Sun, visible light, heat, pregnancy, hormonal contraception |
| Post-inflammatory marks | Flat brown marks where spots, eczema or injuries have healed | Any inflammation, especially in darker skin |
| Sun spots | Small, defined brown spots on the face, hands and forearms | Years of sun exposure |
| Velvety dark folds | Darker, thickened skin at the neck, armpits or groin | Often insulin resistance, which needs blood tests |

This medical service differs from the cosmetic brightening facial, which refreshes dull skin and evens general tone. At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, the dermatology team diagnoses the pigment and prescribes the treatment.

Who needs it

This treatment suits anyone with patches or spots that have spread, deepened or persisted, dark marks left by acne, pigment that appeared during pregnancy or on hormonal contraception, or darkening in skin folds. Melasma is especially common in women with medium to darker skin living under strong sun, which describes many people in the UAE.

It is also the right starting point for anyone who has tried over-the-counter or imported lightening creams, because unlabelled products can contain strong steroids or mercury that cause new pigment and thin the skin.

What happens

The dermatologist examines the pigment in good light and with a dermoscope, a magnifying lens with its own light, which shows how deep the pigment sits and whether any spot needs closer attention. Photographs are taken in standard positions to track change. Velvety dark folds lead to blood tests for blood sugar and insulin resistance.

Your treatment plan usually has three layers:

1. Sun and light protection. A daily broad-spectrum sunscreen that is also tinted. The iron oxide pigments in tinted sunscreens block visible light, which darkens melasma as well as ultraviolet light does.
2. Prescribed creams. Pigment-blocking creams applied nightly to the patches, sometimes as a combination cream used for a limited course under supervision, then stepped down to gentler maintenance creams.
3. Medical peels. For suitable skin, a series of light, controlled peels in clinic helps lift surface pigment. Peel strength is chosen cautiously for darker skin, which is more prone to rebound pigment. Laser skin treatment is considered for selected spots.

Acne is treated at the same time where it is causing marks, through acne treatment, because every new spot leaves a new mark.

Preparing for it

Bring every product you apply to your face, including imported creams and home remedies, so the team can check for irritant or unsafe ingredients. Come without makeup. Note when the pigment appeared and any link to pregnancy, contraception, a new medicine or a sun holiday.

Before a peel, pause scrubs, hair removal creams, waxing and strong exfoliating acids on the face as advised. Tell the team about cold sores, pregnancy, or a tendency to form raised scars.

Afterwards

Pigment fades gradually, so judge progress by comparing photographs over months. Mild dryness or stinging from prescribed creams is common; use a bland moisturiser and apply the cream to dry skin. After a peel, expect tightness and fine flaking for a few days, and leave the flakes to lift on their own.

Reapply tinted sunscreen every few hours outdoors and after sweating. In Sharjah, heat alone can darken melasma, so keep out of hot kitchens, saunas and parked cars where possible, and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Continue maintenance creams once the patches fade, because melasma tends to return with summer.

Contact the hospital if treated skin becomes red, blistered, very sore or darker than before, or if a pigmented spot changes shape, bleeds or grows. **Go to the emergency department straight away if you develop facial swelling or difficulty breathing after applying a new product.**

Cost and insurance

UAE insurance plans usually cover the consultation when pigment needs a diagnosis, and blood tests for velvety dark folds are generally covered as medical investigations. Melasma creams, medical peels and laser for pigment are commonly classed as cosmetic and excluded, although some plans cover prescribed creams. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you check your cover on 06 599 7777.