MELASMA
Melasma is a common skin problem marked by dark discolored patches on the skin, usually seen in women in their reproductive years.
- Although it can happen to anyone, melasma is usually more prevalent in women and uncommon in males.
- In melasma, three types of common facial patterns have been identified including the centrolfacial (the center of the face), the mandibular (jawbone), and the malar (cheekbone).
- The most common form is the centrofacial pattern involving the forehead, cheeks, upper lips, nose, and chin.
- The mandibular pattern is peculiar to the jaw and the malar pattern includes the upper cheeks.
Although, it can also occur on the neck and forearm.
- Melasma can occur during pregnancy, it is referred to as chloasma or mask of pregnancy.
- With studies, it has been discovered that individuals develop melasma in the summer months when the sun is so intense and that the pigmentation regresses in the winter.
CAUSES
The exact cause of melasma is unknown. However, researchers believe that different factors trigger the dark patches associated with melasma. Factors such as:
- Birth control pills
- Hormone replacement therapy
- A family history of the condition
- Race – people with olive oil skin or dark skin as found in Hispanics, Asian, and Middle Eastern individuals have higher incidences of melasma.
- History of daily or intermittent sun exposure
- Heat is also suspected as an underlying factor
- Thyroid diseases
- In rare cases, an allergic reaction to medications and cosmetics.
SYMPTOMS
- Dark irregular, well-demarcated patches
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
To make a diagnosis, the doctor will carry out a visual examination of the affected area. During the visual examination, a Wood’s light or a black light is held up to your skin so that the doctor can check for bacterial or fungi, or how many layers of skin the melasma affects.
Other tests such as a biopsy may also be performed to check for any serious skin condition or rule out any other medical condition.
TREATMENT
For some women, the discoloration usually disappears over a period of time on its own. This is typical when it is caused by pregnancy or birth control pills.
- The doctor may prescribe creams to lighten up your skin.
- Topical steroids may also be prescribed to lighten affected area
- If these don’t work, chemical peels tailored for your skin type and selected by the doctor might work.
- Microdermabrasion or dermabrasion are also possible options. Microdermabrasion uses vacuum suction and an abrasive material like aluminum oxide crystal to exfoliate the top layer of the skin.
- Laser therapy may also help
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are recommended to discontinue melasma creams because of possible risk to the developing fetus and the newborn. Cosmetics may be an option to temporarily conceal their melasma.