What is melasma?

Melasma is a common skin problem. The condition causes dark, discolored patches on your skin.

Dark spots appear on part of the face due to excess production of melanin (skin pigment). If you have melasma, you are likely to experience light brown, dark brown, and/or blue-gray patches on your skin.

Melasma, also known as chloasma, is a skin pigmentation disorder characterized by the appearance of symmetrical dark patches on the skin.

It's also known as  pregnancy mask, is a common adult skin condition that usually causes brown or gray pigmented (colored) patches on the face.

What are the symptoms of melasma?

Melasma is a common skin disorder characterized by discolored, gray-brown patches of skin on exposed areas of the face.Melasma causes light brown, dark brown, and/or bluish spots or freckle-like spots to appear on the skin.

Melasma is a common form of skin discoloration that usually appears as dark brown spots on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and upper lip that are difficult to remove.

According to cosmetic dermatologist Michelle Green, MD, melasma is a skin condition in which dark-colored patches appear on the skin. Unlike dark markings or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (both appearing as small patches on concentrated areas of the face), melasma is often widespread, appearing as brownish-gray, mask-like patches on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, and lips. chin, forehead, and upper lip,” explains Uchenna R. Okereke, MD, a dermatologist at The Dermatology Specialists in New York. 

What are the causes of melasma?

Melasma occurs when dark spots (hyperpigmentation) appear on the skin, usually due to hormones or sun exposure.

If you're pregnant, take birth control pills, or have prolonged exposure to heat or sunlight, you're likely to develop an annoying skin care problem called melasma -- a series of large brown spots on your face. It's hard to get rid of. 

In people with melasma, the pigment cells are extremely sensitive. Any damage to these cells will begin to release melanin, which colors the skin, so less is more. 

The general mechanism of melasma involves pigment-producing skin cells, melanocytes, which become overactive and produce too much pigment (melanin). Melasma probably occurs when the coloring cells in the skin produce too much color.

Is melasma treatable?

The answer is yes. And treatment of melasma includes topical therapy, oral therapy, procedural therapy and combination therapy. Oral medications for melasma include tranexamic acid, Polypodium leucotomos, and glutathione.

There are creams over-the-counter your healthcare professional can prescribe that can lighten the skin and may help lighten dark patches under eyes.

Topical treatments for melasma include iron oxide, hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, retinoic acid, corticosteroids, ascorbic acid, and niacinamide.

Avoiding sun exposure and protecting the skin from the sun is absolutely necessary to prevent the further development of melasma and maintain the effectiveness of the treatment. You can help prevent the recurrence of melasma by applying sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat every day.

Takeaway

Melasma is a more common form of hyperpigmentation in women, especially those with darker skin, and is thought to be caused by UV exposure and hormonal influences. In fact, melasma can affect any part of the skin that is exposed to the sun.

Harsh skin care products can have a negative effect on the skin, as well as exacerbate melasma.

While office peels or laser treatments can help prevent a skin condition called melasma, there are also prescription creams and home skin care products that your dermatologist may recommend. No matter what treatment is the best option for you, remember prevention is key.

DISCLAIMER               

Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.