Understanding Melasma: Treatments, Prevention, Causes
Brown or gray brown patches are a common skin condition known as melasma, but usually appear on the face. Women are often affected and it is more common in people with darker skin types. While harmless, melasma can have a big impact on self confidence which is why it’s important to know what causes it, what its treatments are and how to prevent it from coming back.
What is Melasma?
Generally, melasma is simply hyperpigmentation where there is excess melanin —the pigment that is responsible for giving your skin its color—produced. It most often occurs on areas exposed to the sun; the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. It can develop less frequently on the neck and forearms. Dermatologists classify melasma into three types:
- Epidermal: Pigment in the outer layer of skin responds well to treatment.
- Dermal: Harder to treat, deeper, pigmentation in the skin.
- Mixed: A mixture of epidermal and dermal pigment.
Causes of Melasma
Hormonal changes are one of the most common triggers to melasma, which can give rise to several other factors on top.
Hormonal Factors: Melasma is common among pregnant women – that is why it is called ‘the mask of pregnancy.’ Melasma can also be triggered by hormonal medications (e.g. birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy).
Sun Exposure: Melasma is exacerbated by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun that is stimulating melanin production. This condition occurs due to prolonged or unprotected exposure to sunlight.
Genetic Predisposition: Melasma seems to run in some families, so a family history of melasma increases your chances of getting this condition.
Other Triggers: Melasma is caused by certain skincare products, medications, and even stress. Melasma is also linked to stress then, and stress is the main culprit which disturbs hormonal balance and can cause skin issues.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Melasma is usually made up of patches of darker skin that are not evenly shaped and do not occur on one side of the face. The reason they are called patches is because they are ​painless, nonitching, but they do cause cosmetic concern. A physical examination by the best dermatologist in Lahore is enough to receive a melasma diagnosis. In a few cases, you may use a Wood’s lamp or skin biopsy to find out how deep the pigmentation is and to rule out other conditions.
Treatment Options for Melasma
Melasma isn’t harmful but many people want treatment to improve the appearance of their skin. The type and severity of the melasma are treated differently and the effectiveness of treatment varies accordingly.
Topical Treatments:
Hydroquinone: A pigment found in nature that is a common skin lightening agent for pigmentation.
Azelaic Acid and Kojic Acid: Hydroquinone alternatives that also lighten the dark patches.
Tretinoin: Fades pigmentation by promoting the turnover of skin cells.
In-Office Procedures:
- Chemical Peels: These peel off the farthest layer of the skin, creating a reduction in pigmentation.
- Microdermabrasion: Is a non-invasive procedure that exfoliates the skin.
- Laser Therapy: Precise pigmentation treatments can be achieved by use of fractional lasers or intense pulsed light (IPL). However, melasma should be treated with caution because if not applied properly, it can make melasma worse.
Oral Medications:
In severe cases, dermatologists may even prescribe tranexamic acid, which acts to reduce pigmentation by controlling activity of blood vessels in the skin.
All of the treatment options are a duplex and you should consult a dermatologist to pinpoint which option is suitable for you.
Prevention of Melasma
The best way to manage melasma is with prevention. As sun exposure is a very common trigger, daily use of broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is necessary. Any sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours while outdoors. Broad brimmed hats and clothing protective from UV also could help reduce UV exposure.
Harsh skincare products also need to be avoided which irritate the skin and hormonal imbalances must be managed. Having a gentle and continuous skincare routine helps keep your skin healthy and avoid melasma flare ups.
Living with Melasma
Melasma is a cosmetic condition, but it can affect someone’s emotional and psychological wellbeing. They may also cause self-consciousness or anxiety because of the visible patches. Coping strategies can be adopted, such as using makeup to conceal patches, and concentrating on a person’s overall skin health as a positive coping strategy. Getting a tailored treatment plan from a dermatologist in Karachi is the best way to go, in order to have the most optimal results.
Conclusion
Melasma is a very common skin condition with many causes including hormonal changes, sun exposure, and genetics. Though there are many treatment options, prevention via sun protection and skincare is the name of the game. Taking the time to understand and manage melasma improves the appearance of skin, but it also works to boost self confidence and emotional well being. If you have melasma, don’t wait to get help working out what treatment is best suited for you.
