Melasma
Meet your dermatologist for melasma treatment in Calicut
Common skin issues include melasma. Facial spots of brown or gray-brown colour develop. You’re more likely to experience it on your cheekbones, nasal bridge, forehead, chin, and upper lip. Other sun-exposed areas, such as the arms and neck, may also be affected.
Sunscreen is often recommended as a preventative measure against melasma. This necessitates the use of sunscreen on a daily basis, with further applications every two hours. Outside, dermatologists also advise wearing a broad-brimmed hat. Applying sunscreen liberally may not be enough to prevent skin cancer.
Melasma affects women at a far higher rate than males. Some pregnant women even refer to it as “the mask of pregnancy” because of how frequent it is. Melasma seems to be triggered by hormones.
Get result-oriented melasma treatment in Calicut.
What is melasma?
The skin disorder known as melasma is characterised by the appearance of brown or grayish-brown spots, most often on the face. Although males are not immune, women are the more common victims. Common areas affected include the face, especially the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, and chin. Although melasma seldom causes any kind of pain or discomfort, many people worry about how it looks.
What are the causes?
What causes melasma is unknown yet. However, its progression is aided by a number of variables. Changes in hormone levels, such as those experienced during pregnancy (causing the condition known as chloasma, or “pregnancy mask”) or when using hormonal drugs like birth control pills, are major precipitating factors. Melasma may develop at these times because of the increased synthesis of oestrogen and progesterone, which may trigger the development of melanin (skin pigment).
Melasma is also greatly influenced by sun exposure. Sunlight’s ultraviolet (UV) rays cause an increase in melanin synthesis by stimulating the skin’s melanocytes (pigment-producing cells). This may aggravate preexisting melasma or bring it on in susceptible people. Some medicines (including anticonvulsants and some cosmetics), thyroid conditions, and hormonal imbalances may also play a role in melasma development.
Who is likely to be affected by melasma?
Women, particularly those with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types III–VI), are more likely to get melasma. Pregnancy and the use of hormone medicines are two hormonal variables that raise the risk. Melasma is more common in women, although males are not immune to it. Those who have been sunburned in the past or have a family history of the condition are also at a greater risk.
How can I tell if I have melasma?
Melasma is often diagnosed by a dermatologist after a thorough examination of the skin and a review of the patient’s medical history. The depth and breadth of pigmentation may be assessed with the use of a Wood’s lamp examination in certain circumstances. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and certain types of skin cancer are only two of the many potential causes of discoloration of the skin, therefore it’s important to rule them out.
How is melasma dealt with?
The goal of treating melasma is to reduce the darkness of the patches and stop them from spreading. Medications such as hydroquinone, retinoids, corticosteroids, azelaic acid, and kojic acid may be used topically to treat the condition. The formation of melanin is stifled or accelerated thanks to the use of certain components. Pigmented regions may also be treated with chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser treatment for overall skin renewal.
Although melasma may be treated, it can be difficult, and total clearance may not be achievable for everyone. Different people have different reactions to therapy. UV exposure may aggravate pigmentation, thus sun protection is essential for melasma management. Using a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen, a brimmed hat, and shade are all good ways to prevent sunburn.
Can melasma management be aided by changes in lifestyle?
In addition to conventional treatments, adopting a healthier way of life may aid in the control of melasma. Among them are:
- Limit your time in the sun, particularly at midday when the sun is at its highest intensity. Put on sturdy clothes, a hat with a brim, and a pair of sunglasses. Even on overcast days, it’s important to use a sunscreen with a high SPF (30 or more).
Know what causes your melasma, and stay away from it. Hormonal drugs, harsh cosmetics, and skin care products may all aggravate melasma and should be avoided. If you’re using a hair colour or other chemical treatment that might potentially irritate your skin, use caution.
Care for your sensitive skin with a mild cleanser and soothing moisturiser. Melasma may be made worse by vigorous scrubbing and exfoliation, therefore it’s best to avoid these.
Emotional health: Melasma may be made worse by stress and other emotional reasons. Learn to deal with stress effectively, surround yourself with positive people, and keep your mental health in check.
Can melasma recur after treatment?
Even after effective therapy, melasma might return. Melasma may return after it has cleared up, especially if the affected person is repeatedly exposed to the sun or has hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy or the introduction of hormonal medicines). Even after the melasma has faded, it is crucial to keep up with sun protection measures and a regular skincare regimen in order to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence.
When should I see a dermatologist?
If you’ve noticed a change in your skin’s pigmentation, particularly if it’s affecting your confidence or happiness, it’s best to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist is the best person to help you figure out what’s causing your melasma, how to treat it, and how to keep it from coming back. A dermatologist should be consulted prior to beginning any therapy for melasma if the patient is pregnant or intends to become pregnant.
