What is Melasma?
Melasma is an acquired persistent hypermelanosis on the areas of the body that are commonly exposed to the sun. It is a condition found generally in darker skinned women but it can also be found among lighter-skinned people both male and female.
Melasma occurs when estrogen hormone stimulates pigmentation hormones causing dark brown uneven sized patches on the face. Progesterone may also rouse pigmentation hormones contributing to the formation of dark brown and uneven sized patches on the skin. Melasma is general between female with three to five phototypes of Fitzpatrick. It is also seen among pregnant women, those taking birth control pills and women using hormone replacement therapies. Melasma patches appear on the cheeks, nose and forehead and their unevenness in size signifies the condition. Knowledge on what is melasma and what is a good melasma cream to utilize is necessary to all people. This is because this knowledge helps in the treatment of melasma.
Causes of Melasma
Like numerous other skin issues, melasma is caused by a genetic predisposition. In other words, instances of the condition often run in families. Also with identical twins, the incidence of brown macules will occur in both siblings.
It is essential to understand the causal processes involved behind the scenes, so to speak. There are many treatment options available. On the other hand without the right level of understanding, it would be not easy to determine which ones make sense. Various women are also genetically predisposed to the development of melasma.
Certain factors known to trigger the Causes of Melasma include:
- Too much Sun exposure
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal contraceptives such as oral contraceptives
- Certain soaps and cosmetics – due to a reaction with sunlight (a form of hyper-sensitivity reaction)
- Thyroid disease
- Unknown factors
Symptoms of Melasma
The main symptoms of melasma are very simple to determine which includes irregular dark patches which slowly develop over time. These dark patches cover nose, upper cheek, upper lip, lips and forehead. Apart from cosmetic discoloration there are no such symptoms.
The Symptoms of Melasma include dark patches that are found on the face, and build up over time. There are no further symptoms of this condition besides the skin discoloration, making it more of a cosmetic irritation than a medical concern. The cause is not directly known, but is thought to be related to the over stimulation of the pigment producing cells known as melanocytes.
Diagnosis of Melasma
Melasma is generally easily recognised by the characteristics of the pigmentation and its distribution on the face. Melasma must be differentially diagnosed with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and actinic Lichen Planus, which are rather similar conditions.
The Diagnosis of Melasma is complete with the assist of a Wood’s lamp (340-400 nm wavelengths). The affected area is carefully studied with excess melanin in the epidermis.
Treatment for Melasma
Treatment for melasma consists of antioxidant supplements that are known to enhance the results of any other melasma treatments. Natural lightening creams that contain antioxidants are moreover effective. Cleansers and mild soaps that are designed particularly for melasma should be used because they will not irritate the skin. Calamine and other moisturizing lotions that have nutrients and soothing extracts are great to keep the skin hydrated.
Efficient Treatment for Melasma
It is extremely well to understand the factors that create melasma. But exactly how would you treat it successfully? Here are some ideas.
- Ask your skin doctor for any powerful bleaching lotion because you need a recommendation to obtain a powerful one.
- You can go for micro-dermabrasions that actually help reduce the pigmentation marks.
- Think about fraxel laser facial treatment if you’re able to afford it.
- There are numerous great chemical peel methods that give fast results
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By : Natural Health News
