Everything You Need to Know About Melasma

Do some parts of your skin turn out to be darker than the surrounding skin? If yes, you may possibly suffer from a skin condition known as Melasma and dubbed by medical experts as hyperpigmentation. This condition affects both men and women, but it is more common in females as well as individuals who have darker skins living in sunny weathers. Fortunately, there are several treatments for Melasma which will be tackled later on. Nevertheless, lets us first take a look at the deeper meaning of Melasma, as well as its causes and symptoms.

What is Melasma and Its Symptoms?

Melasma is a common skin problem which causes discoloration patches on the skin specifically in the face. As what was mentioned a while ago, Melasma is common in women but pregnant women are more prone to it because this condition is primarily associated with external hormones including birth control pills. That is why there are times that they called it “the mask if pregnancy”.

The majority of individuals acquire it on their chin, upper lip, forehead, nose, and cheeks. However, there are some instances that it will be seen on other body parts that are regularly exposed to the sun directly like neck and forearms. 

Actually, the skin discoloration does not harm you physically but it will make you feel uncomfortable because of its looks. So if you notice discoloration patches on your skin make sure to consult your doctor immediately and if they found out that you are suffering from Melasma they will send you to a dermatologist right away.

What Causes Melasma?

Actually, the exact cause of this skin condition remains mysterious. But according to experts, the discoloration of patches may possibly be caused by numerous factors such as:

• Sun Damage
• Sun Exposure
• Hormone Treatments like oral contraceptives pills consists of progesterone and estrogen, hormone replacement
• Hypothyroidism

Certain Medications like cancer therapies, cosmetics, deodorant, scented soaps, and toiletries. These medications can trigger Melasma since they can cause a phototoxic reaction.

Most importantly, even healthy individuals may possibly suffer from this skin condition and it normally appears during summer seasons. In addition, Melasma is a genetic condition which means if one of your relatives experience this kind of condition there is a higher possibility that you will also suffer from this.

What are the treatments for Melasma?

Fortunately, Melasma vanishes on its own especially when it is triggered due to taking oral contraceptive as well as pregnancy. But if you don’t want to wait, there are several available treatment options. Your healthcare professional or dermatologist can prescribe you cream or topical steroids to bring back your normal skin color. 

However, if this kind of treatments does not work, microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, and chemical peels are possible alternatives. These alternative treatments shred away the top-most layer of your skin and can lighten dark spots.

Nevertheless, with these treatments, there is no assurance that Melasma will not appear again and for some circumstances, your skin will not be totally lightened. On the other hand, Melasma victims should stick to particular skin treatment and visit their dermatologists regularly, to prevent Melasma from coming back.