Melasma Treatment in Bahrain
Overview
Provided by our dermatology team: Dr. Amal Fakhry, Dr. Samar Fakhry and Dr. Noha Elsayed, Dermatology Specialists. Last updated October 2026.
Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown or grey-brown patches, usually on the face. It is harmless, but it can be persistent and it often affects how people feel about their skin.
There is no single cure for melasma. It can be improved and kept under control with a plan that combines daily sun protection, prescription creams and, for some people, in-clinic treatments. At Stanford Clinics in Bahrain, your plan starts with an assessment by our dermatology team.
What is melasma?
Melasma usually appears as patches of uneven, darker skin on both sides of the face, most often on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, upper lip and chin. It is more common in women and in people with medium to darker skin tones, but men can have it too.
Several factors play a part:
- Sun and visible light: the most important trigger, and the main reason melasma returns.
- Hormones: pregnancy, contraceptive pills and hormone treatment can trigger or worsen it.
- Genetics: it often runs in families.
- Heat and irritation: harsh products and some cosmetics can make it worse.
Other conditions, such as sun spots or darkening after acne, can look similar. That is why one of our dermatologists examines your skin, sometimes with a special light, reviews your medical history and medicines, and confirms the diagnosis before recommending treatment.
How melasma is treated
Melasma is treated in steps, starting with the gentlest options. Your dermatologist will build a plan from:
- Daily sun protection: a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), ideally tinted to block visible light, reapplied through the day, plus a hat and shade. Without this, other treatments work poorly.
- Prescription creams: such as hydroquinone, retinoids, azelaic acid or tranexamic acid. Some are used for limited periods under medical supervision.
- Tablets: oral tranexamic acid may help some patients, but it is only prescribed after checking your medical history, as it is not suitable for everyone.
- Chemical peels: gentle, carefully selected chemical peels can support creams.
- Microneedling: microneedling is sometimes combined with topical treatment.
- Laser: considered for selected patients when other options have not helped enough.
What happens at your appointment
- Consultation: we discuss your history, triggers, skincare and goals, and examine your skin.
- Plan: your dermatologist explains the options, how long they take and what results are realistic.
- Starting treatment: most people begin with sun protection and a home skincare routine.
- In-clinic sessions: peels or laser are added if appropriate, usually as a course.
- Follow-up: regular reviews to adjust the plan and plan maintenance.
Glutathione IV drip: what to know
Glutathione is an antioxidant that the body makes naturally. Some patients ask about glutathione given through an IV drip to brighten the skin. The scientific evidence for its effect on melasma is limited, and it is not a replacement for sun protection and proven creams.
If you are interested, your doctor will discuss whether it is appropriate as an add-on for you, what results you can realistically expect and the possible side effects, which can include discomfort or bruising at the drip site and, rarely, allergic reactions. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Laser treatment, results and aftercare
Low-energy laser treatments, such as a Q-switched laser used at gentle settings, can reduce pigment in some people with melasma. Laser is used with care, because melasma can come back or even darken if the skin is irritated. It is usually combined with creams and strict sun protection, and several sessions a few weeks apart are needed.
Aftercare
- Use sunscreen every day and reapply it, even indoors near windows.
- Avoid heat, saunas and intense exercise for a day or two after laser or a peel.
- Use a gentle cleanser and moisturiser, and pause scrubs and strong actives until your skin settles.
- Keep using your prescribed creams as advised.
Recovery and results
After laser or a peel you may have mild redness for a few hours to a few days. Improvement is gradual and is usually seen over 2 to 3 months. Melasma tends to recur, especially after sun exposure or hormonal changes, so most people need ongoing sun protection and maintenance treatment. Results vary between people.
Side effects and risks
Creams can cause redness, dryness or irritation. Peels and lasers can cause temporary redness, swelling and peeling. Less commonly, the skin can become darker (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), and rarely, laser can leave lighter spots. Long-term misuse of strong lightening creams can damage the skin, which is why they should only be used under medical supervision.
Who should not have some treatments
Some creams, tablets, peels and lasers are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with a recent tan or active skin infection, or with certain medical conditions such as a history of blood clots (for tranexamic acid tablets). Your dermatologist will check this at your consultation.
Cost of melasma treatment in Bahrain
The cost depends on the treatments recommended and how many sessions you need, so we confirm a price after your consultation rather than quoting a fixed figure.
Frequently asked questions
Can melasma be cured?
Melasma can often be improved a great deal, but it tends to come back. Treatment focuses on clearing patches and then keeping them under control.
How long before I see results?
Most people notice gradual improvement after 2 to 3 months of consistent treatment and sun protection.
Is laser the best option for melasma?
Not always. Sun protection and creams are usually the first step. Laser is reserved for selected patients and must be used carefully.
Can I treat melasma during pregnancy?
Many treatments are avoided in pregnancy. Sun protection is safe, and your doctor can advise on gentle options. Melasma linked to pregnancy sometimes fades afterwards.
Why does my melasma get worse in summer?
Sunlight, visible light and heat all stimulate pigment. Daily tinted sunscreen and shade make a real difference, especially in Bahrain’s climate.
Can I buy lightening creams myself?
We advise against it. Some unregulated creams contain strong steroids or mercury, which can harm the skin and your health.
Book a melasma consultation at Stanford Clinics
If you are living with melasma, the first step is a consultation with our dermatology team. We will confirm the diagnosis, look at what may be triggering it and recommend a realistic plan that fits your skin and lifestyle.
Book your appointment online, call us or message us on WhatsApp. You can also find our contact details here.