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Melasma, also known as chloasma, is a common skin condition characterised by skin discolouration, particularly dark patches of skin. Melasma is most commonly found in females, particularly when pregnant, in fact up to 50% of pregnant women experience symptoms, but men can also su!er from this condition. It is also commonly found in women taking hormonal contraceptive pills. Melasma is more common in those with darker skin tones and those who tan very quickly. Melasma is not contagious as it is not an infection so can’t be passed from one person to another, it is also not an indicator of skin cancer or of an allergy.
Melasma can appear anywhere on the body which is exposed to the sun. It is most commonly seen on the face, particularly the cheeks, forehead, nose and chin, but is also found on the arms and neck. The areas of melasma will look darker than the surrounding skin and are flat to the skin not raised. Other than appearance, there are no physical symptoms of melasma. The a!ected skin is not painful or itchy but the condition may cause upset or embarrassment. Symptoms of melasma will become more notable in the summer months in response to sunlight.
The exact cause of melasma is not fully known. It is thought that the melanocytes in the skin, the pigment producing cells, produce too much pigment in certain areas.
Despite the fact that the cause is unknown, factors which may trigger melasma or make symptoms worsen have been identified. Changes in hormones can trigger melasma which is why it is so commonly seen during pregnancy. The contraceptive pill and other hormone replacements can therefore also be attributed. As with many skin conditions, exposure to UV light in the form of natural sunlight or sunbeds can trigger in people who have a family history of the condition.
Melasma is relatively easy to diagnose and most experienced doctors and dermatologists will be able to diagnose this skin condition from looking at your skin. In rare cases, under local anaesthetic, a small section of skin may need to be removed and examined to eliminate any
There are a few ways in which melasma can be treated, both at home and in a medical setting. It is important to note that some of these treatments may not be suitable for those who are pregnant so it is important to discuss treatment options with a dermatologist in Indore.
A consultation with a dermatologist will be required before any treatment takes place to
While skin problems aren’t prejudicial, melasma is an adamant, annoying one that’s chartered mostly for women, but men get victimized to the violent affliction too.
Melasma forms in definite patterns which can be easily identified either as spots on the skin similar to freckles or brown patches of rough skin that grow bigger with time. Some of these patterns are:
Melasma can be brought on bys
In addition to contraceptive pills, other drugs that can stimulate the skin to darken or promote skin’s sensitivity to the sun causing skin darkening are:
Melasma is clinically depicted by discoloration or hyperpigmentation predominantly on the face. There are 3 types of common facial patterns that have been determined in melasma, including centrofacial (center of the face), mandibular (jawbone), malar (cheekbones).
Melasma is a very common skin disorder, especially among pregnant women. 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. Between 1.5% and 33% of the population may get melasma and it happens more often during a woman’s reproductive years, and rarely happens during puberty. It usually starts between 20 and 40 years of age.
More likely to get melasma than men: about 10% of those who get melasma are men, 90% women.
Your epidermis contains cells called melanocytes that store and produce a dark color (pigment) known as melanin. In response to light, heat, or ultraviolet radiation or by hormonal stimulation, the melanocytes produce more melanin, and that’s why your skin darkens.
Pregnant women have increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are thought to contribute to your melasma.
Spots of melasma can sometimes be mistaken for freckles but they are not the same skin condition.