Question of the Month
Q:
After trying every dermatologic treatment for
my acne to no avail, I began taking otho Tri Cyclen and after 2 months my skin
was completely clear. However, in the third month I started developing brown
patches on my face which my Gyn said looked like melasma. Have you had any
experience with certain types or brands of BCP's that are less likely to cause
melasma?
A:
Melasma is darkening of the skin of the face in
response to estrogen. The lower areas of the face tend to be more affected.
Melasma occurs when estrogen levels go up, especially pregnancy but also, for
some women, with oral contraceptives. Only some women have darkening of the skin
from estrogen. Most women who take the pill do not get melasma. Usually it goes
away when the pill is stopped.
Sometimes a lower dose pill with 20 mcg of estrogen will not have this effect,
but in some women susceptible to melasma, any OC will produce it. Mircette is
often the most suitable low dose pill for women with acne. Others, such as
Alesse, have more testosterone-like effect.
Though some women find melasma distressing, it is usually unnoticed by others
and easily covered with makeup.
Acne also can cause increased pigmentation because when inflamed skin heals, it
becomes slightly darker. So it is important to be sure that any darkening is
melasma rather than post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne.
Any change in OC or other part of a medical regimen should be discussed first
with your doctor.
Hope this is helpful.
Sincerely,
Geoffrey Redmond, MD
Read Other Questions ->
Read Articles on Similar Subjects ->
Search for topic ->
