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Dermatology · Melasma · Private clinic in East London

Private melasma clinic in London, same-day dermatology.

Melasma causes brown patches of pigmentation, usually on the face — it is harmless but can be persistent, and treatment plus sun protection helps. Our private dermatology clinic in East London offers same-day melasma assessment with a private dermatologist, diagnosis and a clear treatment plan — usually without a referral and often the same day.

Book a private appointment Call 020 7916 0029
Same-day
dermatology
Specialist-led
private dermatologist
No referral
needed

The condition

What is melasma?

Melasma causes brown patches of pigmentation, usually on the face — it is harmless but can be persistent, and treatment plus sun protection helps.

  • Facial pigmentation
  • Sun-related melasma
  • Hormonal melasma
  • Pigment treatments
  • Strict sun protection
  • Skincare plan

Understanding melasma

Melasma: symptoms, causes, tests & treatment

Have a pigmented patch assessed if it is

  • on one side only, or a single well-defined lesion rather than symmetrical patches
  • changing in size, shape or colour, or has an irregular border
  • raised, itchy, bleeding or crusting
  • new and darkening rapidly
  • accompanied by widespread darkening, fatigue and weight loss

Melasma is symmetrical and flat. Anything asymmetric, raised or changing needs examining to exclude a skin cancer. Generalised darkening with fatigue can indicate Addison's disease and warrants blood tests.

Never use unregulated skin-lightening creams

Products bought online, from market stalls or brought from abroad frequently contain mercury, potent steroids or high-dose hydroquinone, none of which appear on the label. They cause skin thinning, stretch marks, permanent blue-grey discolouration (ochronosis) that is far worse than the original problem, adrenal suppression, and in the case of mercury, kidney damage. They are illegal to sell in the UK for this purpose. If you have been using one, stop and come and talk to us — stopping potent steroids abruptly after long use needs managing.

What drives it

  • Ultraviolet light, and importantly visible light — including from screens and indoor lighting, which ordinary sunscreens do not block
  • Heat — cooking, saunas, hot climates. Independent of light.
  • Hormones — pregnancy (the 'mask of pregnancy'), the combined pill, and HRT
  • Genetics and skin type — much more common in Asian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic and Black skin
  • Irritation — harsh scrubs, aggressive peels and waxing can worsen it
  • Certain medicines that increase light sensitivity

Sun protection — this is the treatment

  • SPF 50 every single day, all year, including indoors near windows and on cloudy days.
  • Use a tinted mineral sunscreen containing iron oxides. This is the key detail most people miss — iron oxides block visible light, which drives melasma and which clear chemical sunscreens do not filter.
  • Reapply every two to three hours when outdoors.
  • Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses; sit away from direct sun and heat.
  • Consider stopping the combined pill or reviewing HRT, if that fits the timing.

Prescription treatment

  • Azelaic acid — effective, safe in pregnancy, and a reasonable first choice.
  • Topical hydroquinone, prescribed and time-limited, remains the most effective single agent. It must not be used continuously long term.
  • Combination creams containing a retinoid and mild steroid alongside, used in cycles under supervision.
  • Oral tranexamic acid has good evidence in resistant melasma, prescribed with care and not suitable if you have a clotting risk.
  • Chemical peels and laser can help but are double-edged — used wrongly, particularly on darker skin, they cause rebound pigmentation that is harder to treat than the original. Anyone offering laser for melasma should be experienced with your skin type.
  • Expect three to six months before judging, and understand that melasma is controlled rather than cured — it recurs with sun and hormone exposure.

Dermatology services we offer

Expert skin care under one roof

From same-day GP treatment to consultant dermatology, mole checks and minor surgery — with a clear plan the same visit.

Private dermatologist London
Specialist-led

Private Dermatology

Consultant dermatologist assessment.

Mole check
Dermoscopy

Mole & Skin Cancer Check

Expert mole checks and skin cancer screening.

Minor skin surgery
On site

Minor Surgery

Removal of moles, cysts and lumps under local.

Allergy testing
Diagnostics

Allergy & Patch Testing

Find triggers for eczema and reactions.

Private GP East London
No referral

Private GP

Same-day GP for skin infections & rashes.

Skin treatments
Cosmetic

Skin Treatments

Evidence-based treatments for skin concerns.

Book a private dermatologist appointment

Simple & reassuring

Seen today, in three easy steps

1

Book in a minute

Book online any time or call reception — no GP referral needed for most skin appointments.

2

Seen quickly

A GMC-registered GP or dermatologist examines your skin and explains what it is.

3

Diagnosis & plan

You leave with a diagnosis, a prescription or procedure where needed, and a clear plan.

Book same-day appointment Call 020 7916 0029

Private assessment

See a private dermatologist for melasma in London

At our private dermatology clinic on Whitechapel Road in East London, you can see a private dermatologist or melasma doctor without a referral — most days, often the same day. A private GP in East London or consultant dermatologist will assess you, arrange the right tests and explain your diagnosis and treatment options clearly. We help patients across East London, Canary Wharf, the City, Docklands and Aldgate who want fast, private answers about melasma.

Book a private melasma assessment

Local, private, fast

A private dermatology clinic for East London & Canary Wharf

Tower Bridge Hospital is on Whitechapel Road in the heart of East London — minutes from Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands and Aldgate. Patients across Tower Hamlets, Wapping, Limehouse and Bethnal Green choose us for a fast, private melasma appointment with a dermatologist, without the wait or the referral.

Why choose us

Why choose our East London private dermatology clinic

  • Same-day, no referral — private GP and dermatology under one roof
  • Consultant dermatologists, GMC-registered
  • Dermoscopy & minor surgery on site for moles and lumps
  • Minutes from Canary Wharf & the City of London
  • Medical & cosmetic skin care in one place
  • Transparent pricing and a clear plan

Ready when you are

See a private dermatologist for melasma — the same day.

Book a private melasma assessment in East London: same-day appointments, dermatologist-led care and a clear plan. No referral needed.

Book same-day appointment 020 7916 0029

Common questions

Melasma in London: your questions answered

Where can I find a private melasma specialist near me in East London?

Our private dermatology clinic is on Whitechapel Road in East London, minutes from Canary Wharf and the City. You can see a private dermatologist or melasma doctor for assessment and treatment, usually the same day and without a referral.

Can I see a private dermatologist for melasma the same day?

Yes. We hold same-day private appointments most days, including Saturdays, so you can be assessed by a dermatologist or GP quickly, with tests done in-house where possible.

How much does a private melasma appointment cost in London?

We keep pricing transparent — see our fees page or call 020 7916 0029, and we will explain the cost of the melasma assessment and any tests before you book.

Do I need a referral to see a private dermatologist for melasma?

No. You can book directly with our clinic. If you are unsure whether to start with a private GP or a dermatologist, we will guide you.

Can melasma be treated?

Yes — with pigment-reducing treatments and strict sun protection; it can be persistent, so a maintenance plan helps.

What makes melasma worse?

Sun exposure and hormonal changes; daily sun protection is central to treatment.

Which areas do you serve for private melasma care?

We see private patients from across East London, Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands, Aldgate, Wapping, Limehouse and Tower Hamlets.

Medically reviewed by Dr Haydar Bolat — Clinical Director, GMC 7138332. Last reviewed August 2026 · next review August 2027. Written in line with our editorial & content-review policy, using guidance from the NHS, NICE and the relevant royal colleges. This information is general and does not replace personal medical advice.

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Related services & information

Dermatology
Service

Private Dermatology

Consultant-led dermatology in London.

Mole check
Dermoscopy

Mole & Skin Check

Mole checks & skin cancer screening.

Minor surgery
On site

Minor Surgery

Mole, cyst and lump removal.

GP
Same-day

Private GP

Same-day GP in East London.

Insurance accepted
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Trusted partners
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In an emergency, call 999. Tower Bridge Hospital London is not an emergency service. Your nearest A&E is The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel Road E1 1FR — 5 minutes’ walk from our front door.

Areas we serve

Private melasma care in London & East London — Whitechapel, the City & Canary Wharf

Patients visit our Whitechapel clinic for private melasma assessment and treatment from right across London and East London, the City and the Docklands — including Aldgate, Bethnal Green, Bow, Shoreditch, Canary Wharf, Stratford, Bermondsey and the surrounding areas. Same-day and walk-in appointments are available and you do not need a GP referral.

Easy to reach — minutes from the Royal London Hospital and Aldgate East, Whitechapel, Aldgate and Liverpool Street stations, and one stop from Canary Wharf on the Elizabeth line.

Private melasma treatment near me? If you are searching for private melasma treatment near me, a melasma doctor or specialist near me, or a private clinic near me in East London, our Whitechapel practice is on your doorstep — walk-in and same-day appointments, no GP referral, and no long NHS waiting list.

Book a same-day appointment or call 020 7916 0029. See our transparent fees. Open 7 days a week, 9am–7pm. Private clinic on Whitechapel Road, London E1 — serving Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham, Islington, the City of London and Southwark.

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