Melasma: A Guide To Treating Melasma: A blog about topical and medical methods for treating melasma.
Melasma is a common skin condition that causes patches of discoloration on the face. These patches appear most often on the cheeks, forehead, nose and chin. It can also appear on other parts of the body including the neck, arms and forearms. Melasma can affect both men and women but it is much more common among women, especially during pregnancy. The exact cause of melasma is unclear but we know that estrogen and progesterone are major factors in its development. Sun exposure, genetic predisposition and some cosmetics may also play a role in causing melasma.
Melasma is treated with a number of different approaches ranging from topical creams to laser treatments. Since melasma is caused by hormones, it cannot be cured but it can be controlled and prevented with consistent treatment. Below we will discuss some of the most popular treatments for melasma including topical creams, oral medications and laser treatments.
Melasma is known as the mask of pregnancy because it usually affects women. The hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause melasma to form on the face, where it looks like a brown mask.
Treating melasma isn’t easy. In fact, there’s no cure for it, and it often comes back after treatment.
Melasma is most common in women ages 20 to 50, especially pregnant women and those taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause.
Melasma occurs when melanin pigment forms deposits in your skin. Melanin is what gives your skin its natural color.
Dermatologists don’t know why melasma happens. It may be caused by hormonal changes that trigger an increase in melanin production, which causes dark patches of skin to form.
Melasma is a common skin condition seen most often in women. It presents as blotchy, brown facial pigmentation. It usually occurs on the forehead, cheeks and chin, but sometimes it can be found on the upper lip or neck. Sun exposure is an important triggering factor for melasma and although it may be present in men, it is much more common in women with olive to dark skin types.
Melasma is a skin condition that causes brown or grayish-brown spots to appear on the face. It is more common in women, especially those with darker skin types, but can also affect men.
Melasma most often appears as symmetrical patches on both sides of the face, usually on the cheeks, forehead and temples, above the upper lip and chin, and sometimes on the neck and forearms. Sun exposure seems to be the main cause of melasma in pregnancy and otherwise.
Melasma, or chloasma, is a common skin problem. It causes brown to gray-brown patches on the face. Most people get it on their cheeks, bridge of their nose, forehead, chin and above their upper lip. It also can appear on other parts of the body that get lots of sun, such as the forearms and neck.
Melasma is not dangerous. But some people don’t like how it looks. If you want to treat it, there are many options available.
What Causes Melasma?
Doctors aren’t sure what causes melasma. But they believe that several factors can contribute to it:
Sun exposure. This is a major cause of melasma. Sunlight stimulates pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) to produce more pigment (melanin). With repeated sun exposure over time, the dark patches of melasma may appear.
Hormonal changes. Pregnant women often develop melasma because of hormonal changes during pregnancy (chloasma is called the “mask of pregnancy”). Women who take birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy may develop melasma too. The skin problem usually goes away after delivery or when these medications are discontinued.
Cosmetics. Some cosmetics and skin care products make melasma worse or
Melasma is a common skin problem that can cause brown or gray-brown patches on your face. Melasma often occurs on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. It can also occur on other body parts exposed to the sun.
Melasma occurs mostly in women. It’s more common in pregnant women, women taking birth control pills, or women using hormone replacement therapy during menopause. Melasma is rare in men and children.
Melasma is called “the mask of pregnancy.” Some call it chloasma (klo-azma).
Melasma may fade after pregnancy or when you stop taking birth control pills. But for many people, melasma does not fade and treatment may be needed for several months.
The cause of melasma isn’t known. It’s more likely to affect you if you:
Are pregnant or taking birth control pills
Have a family member with melasma
Have recently gained or lost a lot of weight
Regular use of sunscreen products may help prevent these symptoms:
Melasma is a skin condition that causes brown patches to appear on the face. It is most commonly found in women, though the cause for this is unknown. It is also more common in dark-skinned people.
The condition results from hyperpigmentation, which means an excess of melanin. Melanin is produced by pigment cells called melanocytes. These are found at the base of the epidermis, which is the top layer of skin.
Melanin provides color to your skin and protects it from sunlight damage. Ultraviolet (UV) rays stimulate melanocytes to produce more melanin, which tans your skin and helps protect it from further sunlight exposure.
A number of triggers can cause melasma, including:
• Hormones – Melasma is often associated with pregnancy or oral contraceptive use in women. It may flare up during these times or appear for the first time.
• Sunlight – Excessive exposure to UV light can trigger melasma, so it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays when you’re outside.
• Certain medications – Some drugs, such as birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and antiseizure medicines, may contribute to