Causes of Melasma<\/h2>\n\n- Melasma is\u00a0very\u00a0common skin ailment. It can occur to anyone,\u00a0but\u00a0young women with brownish tone are more likely to contract with it.<\/li>\n
- The condition\u00a0is often linked\u00a0with female hormonal changes. Change in level of estrogen and progesterone may cause melasma.<\/li>\n
- Sun exposure is another potential factor that can cause melasma.\u00a0Those who live in tropical climates are more prone to have melasma.<\/li>\n
- Oral contraceptive or hormone replacement therapy can trigger dark patches on the skin.<\/li>\n
- Genetic predisposition may give rise to darkening of the skin<\/li>\n
- In\u00a0patients diagnosed with thyroid are also prone to have melasma.<\/li>\n
- Overproduction of MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone) due to stress can trigger darkening of the skin and cause melasma.<\/li>\n
- Allergic reaction due to medicines or cosmetic products, in rare cases, induces melasma.<\/li>\n
- In Addison\u2019s\u00a0disease (especially due to pressure or minor injury to the skin), melasma\u00a0is observed\u00a0as one of the symptoms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How Does Melasma Occur?<\/h2>\n
The dark patches are thought to be produced as a result of stimulation of pigment-making cells (called as melanocytes) mainly due to female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone). Excessive production of melanin results in darkening of the skin.<\/p>\n
Individuals with a known history of melasma running in family (genetic predisposition) are more likely to contract the dark patches on the skin in the form of melasma. Such fellows should avoid going out in the sunlight and apply extra sunblock to protect the skin from the harmful rays. This is because individuals with a genetic predisposition have sensitive cells that easily get stimulated and produce hyperpigmentation.<\/p>\n
How Melasma is Diagnosed<\/h2>\n
Melasma should be differentially diagnosed with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and actinic lichen planus, which are quite similar conditions.<\/p>\n
The diagnosis of melasma is done with the help of a Wood\u2019s lamp (340-400 nm wavelength). The affected area is carefully studied with excess melanin in the epidermis.<\/p>\n
Melasma Symptoms<\/h2>\n
Melasma shows no other symptoms than darkening of the skin. The patient is presented with a dark skin patch on cheeks, forehead, upper lip or nose. In some rare cases, melasma is found on the neck and forearms. It does not do any physical harm, but cosmetically, the sufferers may worry as it may make the face ugly.<\/p>\n
Treatment of Melasma<\/h2>\n
For women with good luck, melasma may be vanished with its own. The chances of this incidence are more in case of pregnancy or birth control pills as cause of melasma. In others, topical application (creams with 2% hydroquinone) can be prescribed that help lighten the skin. If this does not work, further treatment with dermabrasion, microdermabrasion and chemical peel can be thought of. Nevertheless, surgical procedure does not guarantee of its non-recurrence of the dark patches in future.<\/p>\n
In any melasma case, the patient is advised to protect herself from the direct sunlight. Sunscreen lotions (SPF of 30 or above) and avoiding out in the sunlight is followed as a regimen.<\/p>\n
In advanced cases of melasma, creams with a high concentration of HQ (hydroquinone) or HQ with other ingredients\u2019 combination (such as glycolic acid, tretinoin or corticosteroids) is used. However, before using any over-the-counter medicine, one should contact a dermatologist.<\/p>\n
You may ask the dermatologist some cosmetic product to cover up the patches on the skin. Products with white or yellow undertone will help fade the patches.<\/p>\n
\n- Azelaic\u00a0acid (20%)\u00a0is used\u00a0to\u00a0control the activity of melanocytes<\/li>\n
- Galvanic or ultrasound facial along with topical cream may help\u00a0fading\u00a0the dark skin patches.<\/li>\n
- Intense pulsed light (Fraxel\u00a0laser or laser phototherapy)\u00a0is used\u00a0in case of\u00a0dermal\u00a0malesma, which is stubborn and difficult to treat.<\/li>\n
- Cosmetic\u00a0camouflage helps\u00a0to hide\u00a0the dark patches on the skin.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
How much time it takes to normalize the skin tone?<\/h3>\n
Melasma ends as soon as pregnancy ends. The dark patches start fading as the pregnancy approaches its end. In the other case, stopping hormone replacement therapy works as best remedy to cure melasma. In the normal case of melasma (the condition without any complication), it takes a few months to heal. However, discoloration does not go totally.<\/p>\n
How to Prevent Melasma<\/h2>\n
The best way to prevent melasma is avoiding direct contact of sun rays onto the skin. If you have to go out in the sunlight, take precautionary measures mentioned below:-<\/p>\n
\n- Prefer hat over cap that prevents direct sunlight\u00a0falling on your face as well as neck<\/li>\n
- Applying sunscreen lotion\u00a0(titanium dioxide or zinc oxide)\u00a0to\u00a0areas exposed\u00a0to the sun help preventing melasma to occur<\/li>\n
- Sunblock products help protect the skin from\u00a0ultra-violate\u00a0A and B radiation.\u00a0You\u00a0should choose the cosmetic with SPF (Sun Protecting Factor) of 30 or more.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Melasma Pictures<\/h2>\n
![\"melasma](\"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/melasma-before-and-after.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Picture 1: Melasma before and after<\/p>\n
![\"melasma](\"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/melasma-face-photos.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Picture 2 : Melasma on cheeks<\/p>\n
![\"melasma](\"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/melasma-forehead-images.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Picture 3 : Melasma on forehead photo<\/p>\n
![\"melasma](\"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/melasma-on-cheek-picture.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Picture 4 : Melasma on face<\/p>\n
![\"melasma](\"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/03\/melasma-pictures.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Picture 5 : Melasma Image<\/p>\n
References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- www.medicinenet.com\/melasma\/article.html<\/li>\n
- http:\/\/www.aad.org\/skin-conditions\/dermatology-a-to-z\/melasma\/tips\/melasma-tips-for-managing<\/li>\n
- http:\/\/health.nytimes.com\/health\/guides\/disease\/melasma\/overview.html<\/li>\n
- http:\/\/www.drugs.com\/health-guide\/melasma-chloasma.html<\/li>\n
- http:\/\/www.nlm.nih.gov\/medlineplus\/ency\/article\/000836.htm<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
What is Melasma? Melasma, also called as Chloasma faciei or the mask of pregnancy, is a tan or discoloration of the skin. In other words, melasma can be defined as patchy brown or dark brown skin discoloration. The patches can occur on sun exposed body parts but mainly seen on the face. In the condition […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=94"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1454,"href":"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94\/revisions\/1454"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=94"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=94"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=94"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
How Does Melasma Occur?<\/h2>\n
The dark patches are thought to be produced as a result of stimulation of pigment-making cells (called as melanocytes) mainly due to female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone). Excessive production of melanin results in darkening of the skin.<\/p>\n
Individuals with a known history of melasma running in family (genetic predisposition) are more likely to contract the dark patches on the skin in the form of melasma. Such fellows should avoid going out in the sunlight and apply extra sunblock to protect the skin from the harmful rays. This is because individuals with a genetic predisposition have sensitive cells that easily get stimulated and produce hyperpigmentation.<\/p>\n
How Melasma is Diagnosed<\/h2>\n
Melasma should be differentially diagnosed with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and actinic lichen planus, which are quite similar conditions.<\/p>\n
The diagnosis of melasma is done with the help of a Wood\u2019s lamp (340-400 nm wavelength). The affected area is carefully studied with excess melanin in the epidermis.<\/p>\n
Melasma Symptoms<\/h2>\n
Melasma shows no other symptoms than darkening of the skin. The patient is presented with a dark skin patch on cheeks, forehead, upper lip or nose. In some rare cases, melasma is found on the neck and forearms. It does not do any physical harm, but cosmetically, the sufferers may worry as it may make the face ugly.<\/p>\n
Treatment of Melasma<\/h2>\n
For women with good luck, melasma may be vanished with its own. The chances of this incidence are more in case of pregnancy or birth control pills as cause of melasma. In others, topical application (creams with 2% hydroquinone) can be prescribed that help lighten the skin. If this does not work, further treatment with dermabrasion, microdermabrasion and chemical peel can be thought of. Nevertheless, surgical procedure does not guarantee of its non-recurrence of the dark patches in future.<\/p>\n
In any melasma case, the patient is advised to protect herself from the direct sunlight. Sunscreen lotions (SPF of 30 or above) and avoiding out in the sunlight is followed as a regimen.<\/p>\n
In advanced cases of melasma, creams with a high concentration of HQ (hydroquinone) or HQ with other ingredients\u2019 combination (such as glycolic acid, tretinoin or corticosteroids) is used. However, before using any over-the-counter medicine, one should contact a dermatologist.<\/p>\n
You may ask the dermatologist some cosmetic product to cover up the patches on the skin. Products with white or yellow undertone will help fade the patches.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Azelaic\u00a0acid (20%)\u00a0is used\u00a0to\u00a0control the activity of melanocytes<\/li>\n
- Galvanic or ultrasound facial along with topical cream may help\u00a0fading\u00a0the dark skin patches.<\/li>\n
- Intense pulsed light (Fraxel\u00a0laser or laser phototherapy)\u00a0is used\u00a0in case of\u00a0dermal\u00a0malesma, which is stubborn and difficult to treat.<\/li>\n
- Cosmetic\u00a0camouflage helps\u00a0to hide\u00a0the dark patches on the skin.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
How much time it takes to normalize the skin tone?<\/h3>\n
Melasma ends as soon as pregnancy ends. The dark patches start fading as the pregnancy approaches its end. In the other case, stopping hormone replacement therapy works as best remedy to cure melasma. In the normal case of melasma (the condition without any complication), it takes a few months to heal. However, discoloration does not go totally.<\/p>\n
How to Prevent Melasma<\/h2>\n
The best way to prevent melasma is avoiding direct contact of sun rays onto the skin. If you have to go out in the sunlight, take precautionary measures mentioned below:-<\/p>\n
- \n
- Prefer hat over cap that prevents direct sunlight\u00a0falling on your face as well as neck<\/li>\n
- Applying sunscreen lotion\u00a0(titanium dioxide or zinc oxide)\u00a0to\u00a0areas exposed\u00a0to the sun help preventing melasma to occur<\/li>\n
- Sunblock products help protect the skin from\u00a0ultra-violate\u00a0A and B radiation.\u00a0You\u00a0should choose the cosmetic with SPF (Sun Protecting Factor) of 30 or more.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Melasma Pictures<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nPicture 1: Melasma before and after<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nPicture 2 : Melasma on cheeks<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nPicture 3 : Melasma on forehead photo<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nPicture 4 : Melasma on face<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nPicture 5 : Melasma Image<\/p>\n
References<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- www.medicinenet.com\/melasma\/article.html<\/li>\n
- http:\/\/www.aad.org\/skin-conditions\/dermatology-a-to-z\/melasma\/tips\/melasma-tips-for-managing<\/li>\n
- http:\/\/health.nytimes.com\/health\/guides\/disease\/melasma\/overview.html<\/li>\n
- http:\/\/www.drugs.com\/health-guide\/melasma-chloasma.html<\/li>\n
- http:\/\/www.nlm.nih.gov\/medlineplus\/ency\/article\/000836.htm<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
What is Melasma? Melasma, also called as Chloasma faciei or the mask of pregnancy, is a tan or discoloration of the skin. In other words, melasma can be defined as patchy brown or dark brown skin discoloration. The patches can occur on sun exposed body parts but mainly seen on the face. In the condition […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=94"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1454,"href":"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/94\/revisions\/1454"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=94"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=94"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emedicalhub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=94"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}