Melasma

Definition

Melasma is characterised by tan or brown patches on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Although this condition is typically termed the 'pregnancy mask', men can also develop this condition. Remember to consult your physician or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis of this condition before you choose to treat it yourself. If you have melasma, use a sunscreen at all times because sunlight worsens your condition.

Causes of Melasma

Chloasma is triggered by exposure to the sun. It often occurs in pregnant women or in women who take birth control pills. Melasma frequently goes away after pregnancy, but sometimes it may stay on your face even after childbirth or birth control pills are discontinued. Common sites for melasma include the upper lip, under the eyes, and on the upper cheeks.

Causes of Melasma include the following:

• Sun exposure is also a strong risk factor for melasma.
• The incidence of melasma also increases in patients with thyroid disease.
• Pregnancy is the most common cause of melasma.
• Genetic predisposition is also a major factor in determining whether someone will develop melasma.
• Cellular hypersensitivity to normal estrogen levels.
• Women who are taking oral contraceptives are at risk of developing melasma.

Symptoms of Melasma

Symptoms related to Melasma are as follows:

• A uniform brown color is usually seen over the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip.
• The patches do not itch or hurt and are only of cosmetic significance.
• There is no other symptoms are found in case of severe Melasma.
• Dark patches commonly found on the upper cheek, nose, lips, upperlip, and forehead.
• Irregular in shape.
• Sometimes people have the patches only on the sides of the face. Rarely, melasma appears on the forearms.

Treatment of Melasma

Melasma can be treated with certain prescription creams and some over the counter skin care products. In general, dermatologists use the same methods to treat melasma as they treat other sun-related brown discolorations and blotchiness. Some of the treatments that your doctor may prescribe may be:

• Wearing sunscreen on a regular basis helps to prevent melasma from becoming worse.
• The most common treatment is a prescription bleaching cream used with or without the antiwrinkle cream Renova and the anti acne cream Azelex. If the areas of melasma are small, they can be treated with the pigment gel kogic acid (purchased at a dermatologist's office) or with a direct freezing spray.
• Lasers that specialize in removing brown pigment are also used to remove melasma, including the Ruby, Alexandrite, and Neodymium:Yag laser.
• If your melasma covers a fairly large area, chemical peels can be used to help lighten the darker pigmentation. These peels are often used in combination with nightly creams like Renova or alphahydroxy acids and bleaching creams.

Consult your dermatologist before starting any treatments to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each of the above treatments.