What are RUBI SPOTS?

Ruby spots are also known by other names, such as senile angiomas, capillary angiomas, cherry angiomas, or Campbell–De Morgan spots (named after the dermatologist who first described them).

These are small, bright red lesions measuring 1–4 mm that typically appear mainly on the trunk and limbs. They occur in adults, most commonly in those over 50, although they can also be seen in younger people. They do not itch or cause any symptoms.

More pictures of rubi spots

WHY do red spots appear?

They can be considered a normal part of the skin’s aging process, and hormonal factors are believed to play a significant role in their development, though their exact cause remains unclear. It is common for several members of the same family to have them.

Ruby spots are benign and do not indicate any underlying disease.

In any case, it is clear that they are not caused by any infection, so they are not contagious, nor do they reflect any internal disease that could cause problems. We can consider them “healthy skin.”

HOW are rubi spots diagnosed?

It is very easy to identify ruby spots. They must be distinguished from certain types of moles, other types of angiomas, or petechiae; however, a clinical examination is usually sufficient, and it is very rare for a dermatologist to need to use any special techniques to diagnose them.

How are rubi spots TREATED?

Ruby spots respond very well to laser treatment and can also be treated with electrocoagulation. Both are quick and simple methods that can make them disappear.

They can be treated with electrocoagulation or laser therapy, but there is no preventive treatment.

Unfortunately, there is no known treatment that can be used to prevent more from appearing.

The post Ruby spots: small red bumps on the body first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.

We see that the basis of the process is an increase in sebum production, which is clearly linked to androgens—the male hormones present in both men and women. That is why treatments designed to counteract the effects of androgens are so effective in treating acne, especially in women.

One of the most commonly used tools for this is birth control. A meta-analysis published a few years ago in the journal of the American Academy of Dermatology showed that, although they work more slowly, their effectiveness after 6 months is comparable to that of antibiotics.

This makes them very useful because all international acne treatment guidelines agree that antibiotics should not be used for more than 3 months, due to the risk of developing bacterial resistance. Oral contraceptives, however, can be used long-term.

How do birth control pills affect acne?

Oral contraceptives contain an estrogen component (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin that varies depending on the type or brand.

The overall mechanism by which the estrogens in contraceptives improve acne is not entirely clear. It is possible that the estrogens themselves compete with circulating androgens in the sebaceous glands. On the other hand, they may cause the ovaries to produce fewer androgens through a negative feedback mechanism. Finally, they induce an increase in circulating SHBP (sex hormone-binding protein), to which androgens would bind, thereby preventing them from acting on the sebaceous glands.

The effectiveness of a contraceptive for acne will depend on the progestin it contains.

Which birth control methods are suitable for acne?

Oral contraceptives containing progestins with antiandrogenic effects are particularly effective for treating acne in women. In this way, in addition to the effects mentioned in the previous section, the contraceptive contains a molecule that specifically counteracts the effect of androgens on the sebaceous glands.

Antiandrogenic progestins include:

• Drospirenone
• Cyproterone acetate
• Chlormadinone acetate
• Dienogest

There are also contraceptives that contain only progestins. In such cases, we would choose one that contains drospirenone.

Which birth control pills are NOT suitable for acne?

Oral contraceptives containing certain progestins may not only fail to improve acne but actually worsen it, as some have pro-androgenic effects. Here are the ones to avoid:

• Noretindrone
• Desogestrel

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Birth control pills are useful tools for improving your acne. However, you should always discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor. This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace a comprehensive medical consultation in which the suitability of this treatment can be determined.

The post Birth Control and Acne first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.

What is a skin biopsy?

A biopsy involves taking a small piece of skin so that it can be studied by pathologists. They examine this skin under a microscope and extract more information from it than we can obtain with the naked eye during a clinical examination.

A biopsy involves removing a small piece of skin for analysis under a microscope.

The pathologist’s report will clear up any doubts in many cases, and in others it will provide us with information that complements what we dermatologists obtain during the consultation, so that by combining both sources it is easier to reach an accurate diagnosis.

When is a skin biopsy performed?

Many skin diseases can be diagnosed with the naked eye (psoriasis, acne, dermatitis, rosacea, etc.), but there are times when we may not be sure what we are dealing with. The same can happen with some moles or lumps on the skin. We recommend a biopsy in these cases, where information from pathological anatomy can be key.

How is a skin biopsy performed?

A skin biopsy is a simple procedure that is often performed in the doctor’s office. Here are the steps involved:

1. To perform a skin biopsy, we anesthetize the area we want to study so that the procedure is not painful. This is done by giving a small injection in the area, usually with a fine needle that causes slight discomfort when it pricks the skin. A small amount of anesthetic is injected, which may cause a burning, stinging, or slight pain sensation. This lasts only a few seconds, as the anesthetic takes effect relatively quickly and the area of skin becomes numb.

   

2. Once the skin has been anesthetized, we take the small piece of skin. This is usually done with an instrument called a “punch,” which allows us to extract a perfect cylinder of skin between 3-6 mm, depending on the case. Sometimes the piece of skin is simply cut out with a scalpel.

   

3. The wound is usually closed with one or more stitches. Sometimes, if the biopsy is small, stitches may not be necessary.

   

What precautions should be taken after the biopsy?

In the days following the procedure, you should take care of the wound and avoid sudden movements to prevent it from opening up. The wound can get wet, so you can shower as normal, and your dermatologist may recommend applying an antiseptic or antibiotic to the area.

The stitches are usually removed between 5 and 15 days after the biopsy. Your dermatologist will tell you the exact time frame, as it depends on the area of the body where the biopsy was performed and your specific case.

What complications can a skin biopsy have?

Complications from a skin biopsy are very rare. In any case, before the biopsy, it is important for the dermatologist to know if you have any allergies and what medications you are taking.

Like any wound, a wound caused by a skin biopsy has the potential to become infected. This does not normally occur if we follow the instructions and aftercare properly.

Infection or bleeding, although rare, are the most common complications following a skin biopsy.

Similarly, as with any wound, there is a (very low!) risk of bleeding in the hours following the procedure. Normally, if this occurs, the bleeding will stop simply by applying continuous pressure to the area for 15 minutes.

In rare cases, the stitches may open in the days following the biopsy, which is usually linked to excessive strain or stretching of the skin where the biopsy was performed.

In summary…

A skin biopsy is a simple, quick, and low-risk technique that is sometimes extremely useful to dermatologists in reaching a diagnosis and prescribing appropriate treatment.

I would like to thank my colleague and friend Sergio Vañó for the photos for this article, without which I would not have been able to clearly illustrate the biopsy process. 

The post Skin biopsy: what does it involve? first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.

Scabies is caused by a microscopic mite that burrows under the epidermis, causing inflammation of the skin that leads to intense itching. Typically, the itching affects the body, sparing the head, and is especially intense at night. I wrote about it some time ago in this article.

It is transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact, usually between cohabitants or sexual partners.

Scabies can be confused with other skin diseases that can also cause severe itching. This is not uncommon, as many professionals are not used to seeing this disease on a regular basis. However, it is worth considering in any case of sudden skin lesions.

What is happening with scabies?

As I was saying, we are seeing more cases of scabies than usual in our clinics. We are also struck by the fact that in many cases the treatment is not always effective, even though the method is well established in the guidelines.

Given this situation, the scientific community is considering two options:

1. That the mite is developing resistance to the drugs we have available, in the same way that many bacteria do to widely used antibiotics. There are already some cases of resistance in other mites (such as lice) to permethrin, and therefore it is thought that sarcoptes (the cause of scabies) could develop this mechanism.
2. The patient is not following the treatment properly.

Undoubtedly, we must bear in mind the first option, which is possible. However, the second option is most likely the reason why treatment is unsuccessful in many cases.

Why is the treatment not being carried out properly?

The characteristics of the disease make it difficult to treat correctly.

On the one hand, because it is easy for several people within the same household to suffer from it. On the other hand, because treatments must be repeated weekly, and this is not done in all cases. Topical treatments (permethrin) must also be applied meticulously, and this does not always happen.

In addition to all this, it is necessary to eliminate the mite from the living environment. If this is not done effectively, there will always be a certain risk of reinfestation.

Tips for effective treatment of scabies

1-Follow the guidelines given by your doctor.

You may have been prescribed oral treatment (ivermectin) or topical treatment (permethrin). In the case of permethrin, it is important to follow these tips: you must use the cream for a minimum of 8 hours (some sources indicate that 12 hours is better). Spread it over all areas of your body from the neck to the feet. Pay special attention to all folds, including between the fingers and around the nails. If you find that you do not have enough to cover your entire body, talk to your doctor. Otherwise, the treatment will not be effective. Wash it off in the shower and apply plenty of moisturizer to minimize skin irritation.

2-Repeat the treatment after 7-14 days.

This is important due to the life cycle of the sarcoptes scabiei mite. It is possible that at the time of the first treatment, the mite has laid its eggs and these will hatch in the following days. Repeating the treatment will eliminate the mites born from those eggs.

3-Eliminate the mite from your environment

On the same night as the first treatment, it is essential to wash previously worn clothing at a minimum temperature of 50º. This can be replaced by putting the clothes in the dryer. Shoes and delicate garments, as well as cushions, can be placed in plastic bags and left closed for at least 5 days (this will suffocate the mites). It is also advisable to vacuum large cushions, mattresses, and sofas.

4-Inform your household members and close/sexual contacts.

All members of a household must be treated, as well as other close contacts such as partners or sexual contacts. Treatment must be simultaneous. Otherwise, a “ping pong effect” may occur, in which some members of the same household are reinfected by those who have not yet been treated.

Have you followed your treatment properly?

The post How to cure scabies first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.

But the reality is that acne vulgaris is the most common form, affecting up to 90% of adolescents, more frequently boys, and in most cases disappearing after the age of 20. In women, it is more common for it to persist beyond adolescence.

Acne is more common in boys and tends to disappear after the age of 20.

In any case, even though it tends to disappear, it usually causes some (in some cases significant) discomfort in the person who suffers from it, and therefore treatment is necessary. Even though it is the most effective treatment, not all people with acne require isotretinoin (acutane®), either because their acne is not mild, because they do not want to take pills, or because it is summer and they will be exposed to the sun. What treatment options are available in these cases?

1-General measures

1. Before using any treatment, it is advisable to wash your face with a mild soap specifically designed for acne-prone skin.
2. If you use cosmetics and/or makeup, it is important that they are oil-free or labeled as oil-free/non-comedogenic.
3. Reducing your intake of foods with a high glycemic load could help you control your acne. You can find more information in the post on the “Influence of diet on acne.”
4. If your doctor prescribes any topical treatment (cream or gel), it is very important that you use it consistently. If you don’t follow the treatment, it definitely won’t work ;)

2-If you have blackheads and small pimples…

When acne consists of small pimples, in the form of comedones (blackheads) and blackheads, the most commonly used creams are topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene), which I discussed in a previous post, as they are also anti-wrinkle treatments. These treatments regulate the production of keratin, which is the substance that usually “clogs” the pores, promoting the formation of pimples. Some cosmetic treatments such as facials or peels can complement the treatment.

Retinoids can cause skin irritation and some people do not tolerate them very well. In these cases, other creams containing salicylic acid or azelaic acid can be used. However, if they are well tolerated, they can be used for a long time and can help us control pimples and blackheads easily.

3-If you also have RED PIMPLES…

Some people, in addition to pimples and blackheads, have redder spots, which sometimes have a white head. Some of these spots can even be painful.

If this is the case, in addition to retinoids, it is advisable to use a treatment that destroys the bacteria involved in acne, Propionibacterium acnes. It may be useful to use benzoyl peroxide, if not already used, or antibiotics (usually clindamycin or erythromycin). There are creams that contain both products together (retinoid + antibiotic -Treclinac®- and retinoid + benzoyl peroxide -epiduo®/tactuoben®-) for ease of use.

4-Sif you have MANY RED PIMPLES or acne is also located on your CHEST and BACK…

When pimples are more noticeable or if there are pimples on the back or chest, antibiotic tablets are usually used, as it is difficult to treat all these areas with creams or other topical products alone. The most commonly used oral antibiotic is doxycycline, which is both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It should be used for a maximum of 3 months. A recent study found that there was no difference in improvement between using it for 3 months or 6 months, so there is no justification for prolonging treatment as this can lead to bacterial resistance.

Oral antibiotics are useful when acne appears on the chest and back.

In recent years, there has been an increase in bacterial resistance to antibiotics. To prevent this, it is recommended not to use antibiotics as the sole treatment for acne, either in cream or oral form. In general, it should be recommended in conjunction with a benzoyl peroxide cream, as this has been shown to reduce the number of resistant strains.

5-If you have many red, inflamed, PAINFUL pimples and/or SCARS…

In these cases, dermatologists usually prescribe isotretinoin (Roaccutane®), since, apart from the discomfort caused by the pimples, the risk of lifelong scarring makes us seek the most effective treatment.

In conclusion…

There are currently various treatments available for acne. Cosmetic products alone are not usually sufficient to cure it, but they can be a good complement in some cases. It is best to have a dermatologist examine your type of acne and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your case.

Do you have doubts about your acne?

Consult with me ONLINE and I will advise you on the best option for you.

The post 5 basic guidelines for treating acne first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.

1. Moisturize your skin thoroughly.

Dry indoor air and the use of heating contribute to our skin feeling tight, rougher, dry, itchy, and sometimes even cracked. To prevent this, there is nothing simpler than applying moisturizer to the entire body every day. Although it seems obvious, many of us forget to do so. It is not necessary to use the most sophisticated and expensive products, but simply to be consistent in applying them. Dry lips are also common, as they crack in the cold. Remember to moisturize them too (lip balm, petroleum jelly, etc.).

In some cases, the degree of dryness is such that dry/xerotic eczema may appear, i.e., a rough, reddish area with cracked skin that itches a lot. This is common in older people who do not usually use moisturizing creams. In these cases, treatment with a topical corticosteroid cream is necessary. If you have any areas of “rough” skin that do not improve with moisturizing creams, it is a good idea to consult a dermatologist.

2. Use sun protection

We usually pay attention to sun protection in summer, because that’s when the sun shines on our whole body. But we shouldn’t underestimate the effect of UV rays on the skin of our face during winter. The gradual accumulation of sun exposure throughout our lives not only increases the risk of skin cancer but also causes the skin to look older (less lustrous, dry, with wrinkles and spots). From both an aesthetic and cancer prevention point of view, it is advisable to get into the habit of using sun protection in winter too.

Fortunately, there are now lots of sunscreen creams (SPF 30+) with excellent cosmetic properties (they come in liquid form, as sprays, for oily skin, for dry skin, with more color, in makeup format, etc.). Just pop into your local pharmacy and ask :)

Protecting yourself from the sun also prevents wrinkles.

What about those of you who are skiers and mountaineers? The reflection of UV rays on snow considerably increases their harmful effect, which can cause first- and second-degree sunburn. So don’t forget to use extreme protection on your face and lips, reapplying it throughout the day while skiing.

3. Do you have spots on your face? Winter can be a good time to treat them.

The relationship between facial spots and the sun is clear. Spots become more noticeable in the summer, and it is at this time of year that we tend to worry about them most. However, most treatments for spots cannot be done in summer (either because of the medication used or because of the risk that the spots will darken even more due to the sun) and it is better to do them in winter.

There are different types of spots on the skin (solar lentigines, seborrheic keratoses, melasma, etc.), each with a different treatment.

It is advisable to have them assessed by a dermatologist to determine the appropriate treatment in each case (cryotherapy, laser, depigmentation creams, peels, etc.). It is advisable to have them assessed by a dermatologist to determine the appropriate treatment in each case (cryotherapy, laser, depigmentation creams, peels, etc.). In any case, to prevent any of them, it is essential to protect yourself from the sun with SPF 50+ daily, even in winter.

4. Do you have acne? Winter is the best time to treat it.

If you have acne, you may have noticed that it usually improves in the summer. The sun tends to “dry out” pimples, so when winter returns, you generally feel like it’s worse. Winter is a good time to start treating your acne because some of the treatments used (isotretinoin, doxycycline) can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, and therefore their use in summer (although possible) becomes much more uncomfortable.

The post 4 basic tips for taking care of your skin in winter first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.

All procedures for this are very simple:

Cryotherapy:

This involves “freezing” the fibromas with liquid nitrogen. It is a slightly uncomfortable treatment. The fibromas fall off over the following days or weeks.

Electrosurgery:

Using an electric scalpel, the fibromas can be cut and burned off instantly. Local anesthesia is usually administered beforehand. This is injected into the skin with a very fine needle, although it may cause slight discomfort.

Ablative laser:

Ablative lasers (CO2 or Erbium) have the ability to destroy tissue and are therefore useful techniques for removing fibroids, minimizing the likelihood of unsightly scarring.

Surgery:

Larger fibromas usually have to be removed with scissors or a scalpel. In some cases, stitches may be required. Local anesthesia is also necessary for this procedure.

It is important to emphasize that fibromas or skin tags are not the same as warts, and therefore the “anti-wart” products available in pharmacies are not useful for treating them. In general, it is best to consult a dermatologist to examine the lesion and recommend the most appropriate treatment in each case.

“Anti-wart” products are not useful for treating fibromas.

Unlike warts, once removed, it is very rare for them to reappear. If a new fibroma appears in the area, it is more likely to be a “new” one than a recurrence of the same one.

The post How to treat skin tags or acrochordons first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.

However, creams are an excellent ally in blocking the effects of UV radiation on exposed skin that we can’t protect in other ways. For this reason, I think it’s interesting to debunk three common myths that often cause confusion when using sunscreen during holidays.

1. You need to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure → FALSE

You’ve probably read and heard this recommendation in countless pamphlets. However, contrary to what was believed and recommended years ago, we now know that sunscreen products are effective within minutes of being applied to the skin, and no waiting time is needed for them to “activate.”

This was demonstrated by a group of researchers in Málaga a few years ago. I talk about it in this article.

From a purely practical perspective, however, this recommendation does make a lot of sense. Applying sunscreen at home, calmly and before heading to the beach or pool, likely allows for a more even and meticulous application of the product, which leads to better prevention of sun damage. It’s not the same to quickly spray sunscreen onto sweaty skin right before the first swim, as it is to thoroughly cover all dry skin with a fluid cream in a step-by-step manner.

2. The SPF number tells you how many minutes you can stay in the sun → FALSE

This is a widespread belief, but the idea that SPF 20 means you can stay in the sun for 20 minutes is completely incorrect.

SPF is the index that reflects a sunscreen’s ability to block ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which are responsible for sunburn.

Therefore, SPF indicates how many times the minimal erythema dose (the amount of sun exposure that causes the skin to redden) is multiplied when using sunscreen compared to no protection. So, if you normally burn after 10 minutes without sunscreen, using SPF 20 would mean you could be exposed to the same intensity of sunlight for 200 minutes before burning.

However, since sunscreen can gradually be removed from the skin due to sweating, swimming, and natural skin processes, it’s always recommended to reapply it every 2–3 hours.

3. SPF 100 protects twice as much as SPF 50 → FALSE

Sunscreens available in pharmacies come in a wide range of SPF values. When looking for a good product, it’s logical to opt for SPF 100 over lower values like 50, because a higher number seems to imply better protection. It seems reasonable to think that SPF 100 protects twice as much as SPF 50.

Although this assumption is understandable and partly true, the difference in protection between the two is not double—it’s much smaller (as shown in the chart below), so small that experts consider it negligible.

The post 3 myths about sun protection first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.

So let’s get to the point: what types of spots are the most common? In general, when we start to worry about spots in our thirties or forties, they can be divided into two main groups.

SOLAR LENTIGO

What are solar lentigos?

They are flat spots, reminiscent of freckles, although they are usually larger. They appear in areas where we have been exposed to the sun. This exposure does not necessarily have to be the previous summer, but they are caused by all the sun accumulated throughout our lives. That is to say, you may have been taking care of the sun for decades, but if in adolescence you did something excessive, this may be the cause of these lentigines. The skin has a memory.

How to treat solar lentigos?

Lentigines respond very well to physical treatments such as laser or pulsed light. These systems work by emitting a light source that reacts with the color of the blemish. The darker the spot and the lighter the underlying skin, the more likely it is that the treatment will be successful, which is why it is especially interesting to perform the treatment at times when we are paler, as is often the case in winter.

In the following 4 weeks it is equally important to avoid the sun as much as possible. Sun exposure on “inflamed” skin after laser treatment could cause another type of stains called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is not at all desirable.

The treatment causes some changes in the spots that will last a few days/weeks: in the case of laser it can be a purplish tone or crusts and in the case of pulsed light, the spots take on a grayish color. Then they will progressively fade until they disappear.

MELASMA:

What is melasma?

Also called chloasma, they are more diffuse spots that usually cover the area of the cheeks, forehead or upper lip, usually appearing in women. Generally lighter than lentigines but larger in size. They are usually related to having gone through a pregnancy or taking contraceptives, although many women suffer from them without any of these factors. In this link I talk more about melasma.

How to treat melasma?

In general, melasma is more complex to treat than lentigines. Contrary to what one might think, physical techniques in this case do not work as well and are generally relegated to the background.

The initial approach to melasma should always include rigorous sun protection, preferably with colored products (either a tinted sunscreen or using makeup over it) to block the effect of visible light (which influences the appearance of melasma).

Specific treatment is done with depigmenting creams, which almost always include hydroquinone. This can be supplemented with retinoids or other depigmenting agents (kojic, niacinamide, tranexamic, azelaic), as well as peelings.

In recent years, moreover, scientific evidence has shown the effectiveness of an oral treatment that helps us to complement topical therapy with creams: tranexamic acid, which you can read about in this article.

Melasma reappears very frequently, so it is very important to maintain strict sun protection habits at all times (both summer and winter).

Do you have lentigos?

The post How to treat skin blemishes? first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.

It is likely that just this summer you were pregnant (“pregnancy cloth”) or on oral contraceptives. Melasma tends to appear more frequently in these cases, but don’t be surprised if it did not. Many girls get these spots for no reason at all. Often we do not find a clear cause, although it seems that estrogens (female hormones) have something to do with it, since this type of spots occur mainly in women.

It is also known that the sun is clearly involved, as spots tend to worsen after exposure to the sun, especially in summer. We have already talked on other occasions about the different radiations emitted by the sun and that sunscreens are mainly effective against UV rays. It seems, however, that other radiations such as infrared or visible light may also be involved in melasma, and blue light in particular is known to be more damaging in brown people. Therefore, even if you use the best sunscreen in a perfect way, it may not be enough to prevent the appearance of melasma.

The reality is that melasma is very difficult to treat; but we can improve it. Normally, those who have melasma will always have a tendency for certain areas of the skin to darken, but we can find ways to attenuate it and avoid/reduce its appearance. Winter is the time to lighten it and in spring-summer we have to do our best to prevent it. Here are the keys.

1. SUN PROTECTION: 

This is most important, especially in spring and summer. Remember that sun protection does not mean just sun “cream”, but avoiding the radiation coming from the sun in the best way we know how. A good sunscreen with SPF 50+ will avoid more than 98% of UVB radiation, and part of UVA, infrared and visible light…but not all! Tinted sunscreens block visible light, and are advisable in persons with melasma.

Photoprotection is not only sunscreen; complement it with a hat and umbrella.

Always keep this in mind. It is important to complement topical photoprotection with other means: avoid the central hours, wear a hat or cap or use an umbrella.

The more you minimize the sun’s incidence on your face, the less likely it is that melasma will be accentuated when summer arrives.

2. BLEACHING PRODUCTS:

The star depigmenting agent is hydroquinone. It is the most potent product available, which we usually use in concentrations of 2-4% and can be used alone or in combination with others.

Hydroquinone is the most effective depigmenting agent, alone or in combination with other products.

In addition, we can also use azelaic acid, kojic acid, retinoids, hydroxy acids or even topical corticosteroids. We usually use combinations of these elements. It is best that your dermatologist assesses what is best suited to your case, depending on the sensitivity of your skin or its color.

3. ORAL TREATMENTS: 

Tranexamic acid has recently been found to be useful in improving or preventing melasma. It is a drug that some girls use to reduce menstrual bleeding. At lower doses, it has been found to prevent sun-induced skin pigmentation.

Tranexamic acid is a novel treatment for melasma

4. OTHERS: 

Lasers, pulsed light and peelings are excellent aesthetic techniques that help us for a lot of aesthetic treatments (scars, certain spots, hair removal, wrinkles, veins) but in the case of melasma, we limit their use to specific cases in which the above does not work, because their effectiveness is usually not so high.

Lasers or peels may be useful in some cases.

In conclusion…

∼Melasma is difficult to treat, but fortunately we have several treatment options with which to keep it at bay, first to lighten it and on the other hand, and not least, to prevent it.

∼Get advice from your dermatologist who will recommend the best option for you. Not all skins are suited to the same thing.

The post Treatment of melasma: 4 key points first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.