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This Doctor Shares Tips On How To Manage And Treat Melasma In Singapore

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Portrait of Dr Rui Ming Ho
Dr Rui Ming Ho

July 13th, 2019· 5 min read

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I just want to be prepared...

The skin is very sensitive and prone to damage. Melasma is one of the most common skin conditions and its management has been hard for most people.

Dr Ho Rui Ming is the Medical Director for M-Aesthics Clinics. He is experienced in thread lift procedures and acne scar treatment. He has actively responded to questions regarding melasma treatment. Here are a few key takeaways.

What is melasma?

female-melasma-photo

Melasma is a common skin problem that causes brown or dark patches to appear. The condition is commonly found on the face but may also appear on the forearms and neck [1].

What causes melasma?

causes-melasa-illustration

Sun exposure is the most common cause. Research also shows that women are at much higher risk of developing the condition. This is because anything that affects hormone levels such as birth control pills and pregnancy can also cause the condition [1].

Treating melasma can be hard

normal-melasma-skin-comparison-illustration

Dark patches appear due to over-produced pigments. This is hard to reverse and often reoccur [2]. That said, there are various ways to manage the condition.

Protection from sun exposure is a must

protect-sun-illustration

As sun exposure is a contributing factor, it is important to protect the skin from further damage. You should use generous amounts of sunblock and avoid direct contact with the sun [3].

Use topical whitening creams

melasma-whitening-cream

The most common treatment choice is to use medical-grade whitening creams containing hydroquinone, topical steroids and/or retinoic acids [4]. If possible, you should stop or switch out birth control pills containing oestrogen.

Treatment for more severe cases

illustration on treatment types for more severe melasma

For more severe cases, treatment may include glycolic acid peels, Nd: YAG laser treatments and oral medication (tranexamic acid) [5]. You might have to go through multiple sessions depending on your condition.

Also read: A Doctor's Guide To Pigmentation Treatment In Singapore (2019)

You can combine different methods

asian-woman-melasma-treatment-comparision

There are different types of melasma and thus each person may require a different treatment route. Most cases also require a combination of methods to achieve the best result [4].

Treating melasma is hard but not impossible. It is best to consult your doctor to get a proper diagnosis before proceeding with any treatment.

Read more: 8 Dermatologist Clinics in Singapore for Your Skin Concerns (2020)


Dr Ho Rui Ming currently serves as the Medical Director for M-Aesthetic Clinic, with expertise in thread lift procedures and acne scar treatments. A firm believer in staying up-to-date on medical issues, Dr Ho has been awarded Certificates of Competence by Aesthetic Dermatology Educational Group and the Dermatological Society of Singapore.

Read more from Dr Ho Rui Ming in his Q&A here.

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I hope that you've found this guide useful, and perhaps gained more insight into the application process. Most of the admissions-related information (admin and logistics wise) can be found on the official NUS Faculty of Dentistry website.

To help yourself out, you should take note of what people look for when they look for a dentist.

This article was written by Dr Rui Ming Ho and published on Wednesday, 25 January 2017. Human medically reviewed the article on Wednesday, 25 January 2017. The last update was made on Friday, 18 September 2020.

Disclaimer: Opinions belong to the author and not to the platform.

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