Melasma sits within the dermatology area that Hi-Doctor covers. Our doctors review your case individually — not through an algorithm — and propose a therapeutic approach when indicated.

How is Melasma evaluated in an online consultation?

You fill in a dermatology-oriented medical questionnaire (~5 min). An EU-licensed doctor reviews your clinical history, current medication, allergies and background in less than 2 hours on average. If clarifications are needed, they message you via the private chat in your account.

How long until you see results?

It depends on the case. For dermatology, reasonable timelines are explained during the consultation and follow-up lives inside the private chat. The full medical record stays in an auditable thread inside your account.

Can I consult for Melasma from Salzburg?

Yes. Hi-Doctor runs 100% online across the EU, so from Salzburg you can fill in the questionnaire and receive the medical review without travelling. The electronic prescription issued by the licensed doctor is valid at any EU pharmacy under Directive 2011/24/EU; outside Spain the pharmacist dispenses the locally marketed equivalent of the same active ingredient.

How does a doctor assess a skin concern online?

The doctor reviews its appearance and progression, your history, allergies, current products and clear photos when needed. If your skin needs an in-person examination, the doctor refers you before prescribing.

What is the private electronic prescription and why is it valid across the EU?

The private electronic prescription (Receta Médica Privada Electrónica) is issued by a licensed doctor in Spain. It is a PDF carrying every field required by EU Directive 2011/24/EU (patient, prescriber with country of registration, active ingredient, dose), which makes it legally recognised across all 27 EU member states. In Spanish pharmacies it is dispensed from the QR; outside Spain, the pharmacist dispenses the locally marketed equivalent of the same active ingredient.

How does Hi-Doctor work step by step?

1) Fill in an online medical questionnaire in about 4 minutes. 2) The plan is €25/month for weight loss or €15/month (billed €45 every 90 days) for hair growth; sexual health is €35 per consultation. 3) An EU-licensed doctor reviews your case and, if appropriate, issues an electronic prescription. 4) Collect it at any EU pharmacy. If the review is not approved, the applicable fee is refunded in full.

CONDITION · Salzburg

Melasma.

Dark patches on the face: supervised depigmenting treatment with strict sun protection.

Start consultation Explore Dermatology

€35 one-offFull refund if a review is not approved

DERMATOLOGY

Start in five minutes.

Answer the questionnaire. A licensed doctor reads it. You pay only if treatment is approved.

Start consultation

Licensed EU doctors

Doctor review in less than 2 hours on average

50,000+ patients served

Secure patient account

HOW IT WORKS · 5 STEPS

Five steps. No waiting room.

From the online consultation to ongoing follow-up — without leaving home.

5 minutes
Start your online visit
Answer a 5-minute health questionnaire from home.
Less than 2 hours
A doctor reviews your case
A licensed doctor reviews your answers and replies personally.
Refund guarantee
Review and payment
If not approved, we refund your €35 one-off in full.
EU pharmacies
Collect treatment from the pharmacy
Collect it at any EU pharmacy with your e-prescription.
4-week check-in
Ongoing support
Private chat, 4-week check-in, simple prescription renewal.

DERMATOLOGY

Melasma

The doctor confirms melasma from your photos and prescribes hydroquinone 4% or a Kligman-type compounded formula in a limited, supervised course. Daily sun protection is half the treatment.

WHAT IT IS

Melasma is an acquired hyperpigmentation that appears as symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches with irregular edges on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin. It is caused by excess melanin production in light-exposed areas.

It is far more common in women and is linked to sun exposure, pregnancy, hormonal contraception and genetic predisposition. It tends to be chronic: it improves with treatment and protection, but returns with summer sun.

In the online consultation, the doctor confirms the pattern from your photos, rules out other pigmented lesions that need examination, and prescribes a time-limited depigmenting course, always with strict sun protection.

HOW COMMON IT IS

Common in adult women, particularly with medium and darker skin types; hormonal factors, including pregnancy, are implicated in around a quarter of cases in women.

DermNet

CAUSES

Exposure to ultraviolet and visible light
Pregnancy and hormonal contraception
Genetic predisposition and medium to darker skin types
Some photosensitising medicines and irritating cosmetics
Thyroid disorders in a minority of cases

TREATMENT APPROACHES

Hydroquinone 4% cream, applied only to the patches, in a supervised 60 to 90-day course
Hydroquinone 4% gel with glycolic acid for resistant patches
Kligman-type compounded formula (hydroquinone, a low-strength retinoid, kojic acid and niacinamide), at night, twice a week for three months
Daily SPF 50+ sun protection, ideally tinted with iron oxides, year-round
Review at the end of the course to decide on maintenance or a break
Peels, laser or oral tranexamic acid only through in-person care

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

See a doctor if the patches persist despite sun protection or worry you. A single, asymmetrical, raised or changing dark spot is not melasma and must be examined in person. No depigmenting treatment is prescribed online during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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