Hi Catherine Michelle,
Melasma often presents as brown patches on both side of the cheeks, and is fairly common amongst Asian women (compared to men) and the darker skin types.
I can totally understand that patients can at times be quite disturbed by its appearance, especially if they cannot even conceal it with makeup.
Melasma is one of the more challenging pigmentations to treat. Other than hereditary factors, the other causes can include a complex interplay of factors eg age, genetic, hormonal, vascular, and sun exposure.
Having said so, there are available effective treatment options that include topical lightening creams, chemical peels, oral medications and pigmentation lasers. Sun protection measures are equally as important as well.
Thus I would recommend you to speak to an experienced doctor whom you are comfortable with, to verify what are those pigmented patches and discuss on the most suitable treatment options for you.
For more information on the treatments of melasma, you can read more about them in the "Ultimate Guide to Pigmentation Treatment in Singapore".
Hope this helps!
Cheers!
Dr David Ng C H
