Melasma and the Mental Health effects of skin conditions

Thank you 🙂 Rome is nice. I relocated here in summer 2015, so it's my 5th year here 🙂 Before that, I lived in Boston, Massachusetts. The laser disaster happened in Prague, the Czech Republic (2013). I was advised to move to some northern country where the sun is not so strong but I refused to adjust my life & plans just because of this skin condition. I have always wanted to live in Rome & teach at La Sapienza, so here I am - despite the fact that here I must do much more for the skin. I hope to see you here one day 🙂 Have a beautiful summer!

Has anyone seen Melasma getting worse with anxiety which in turn brings you to deep depression? My face has changed within 2-3 weeks mostly on 1 side and it burns I’m only using mild soap and moisturizer now it’s devastating

Hi @antonieta71 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. As you might see, I moved your post to a discussion that was started by @cak71. I wanted to introduce the two of you since you are having the same condition and symptoms of depression associated with it.
What has your medical provider suggested so far?

I would love to connect with @antonieta71 . I have not noticed my Melasma getting worse with anxiety. Mine gets terrible in the hot TN summers. I also have noticed burning if I use any anti-aging products. It has gotten better since I switched to a coconut cleanser and a moisturizer called Simple.

I feel that because Melasma is not a deadly disease some providers don’t take it as seriously and refer to aestheticians as if it were a cosmetic issue only. Melasma is a non curable issue still that affects life quality of the patient. It changes people’s life unable to enjoy outside, stress caused by people looking at your face not eye to eye when you talk it’s disfiguring and depressing.

Thanks for your reply I also feel burning using any regular products or even prescription the only one my skin can stand is the Finacea foam 15% azelaic acid I don’t see it making much difference after 6 months but some previous prescription creams actually made it worse Could you please tell me more about this coconut wash? Thanks

This is what I use- see picture. I have tried to switch to more natural products without so many chemicals.

Amen! It definitely is a hard thing to deal with mentally. You know it doesn’t hurt you, but affects life negatively. It’s hard to explain to other people when you get so down about it.

@antonieta71 have you heard of Musely? The reviews look amazing. My dermatologist prescribed something very similar, but it makes my skin feel likes it burning and itchy (mostly my chin area). Also my Melasma is below the dermis so I don’t feel like anything will help.

My Derm also prescribed a cream like Musely 12% hydroquinone used it once because it burned and aggravated the area. I may have to go on antidepressants, I don’t like to see myself in the mirror anymore it brings me down and give me anxiety go out