Melasma is very common and is most prevalent in people who have light brown to darker skin tones. It is a pigmentation disorder that causes brown or grey patches on the skin, and it is concentrated in areas that have been exposed to the sun. Melasma typically affects the face region which includes the forehead, nose, cheeks, upper lip, and chin. It can also affect an individual’s forearms, neck, and shoulders. Although men and women are both affected by melasma, women are more at risk and those that are pregnant are at greater risk. Understanding the entirety of why melasma develops hasn’t been fully discovered but we do know that skin color, exposure, pregnancy, and genetics play a role. Changes in hormones or hormone treatment can trigger melasma as well as specific skin care products. Overexposure to the sun for lengthy periods of time and on a regular basis puts you at risk for this ailment. Additionally, people who reside in tropical settings and are of a darker complexion are more likely to contract melasma.
The main symptom of melasma is hyperpigmentation which is when discolored patches of skin start to appear. It is important to keep in mind that melasma is not a form of skin cancer. When melasma occurs, there should not be any pain or discomfort. If you experience any pain or discomfort, then you should consult a dermatologist because it could be a sign of a more serious issue. Melasma is easily detectable, and a skin care specialist will be able to diagnose with a visual examination. For the most part, it is not something that necessarily needs treatment unless you are specifically concerned with removing or eliminating its appearance. In that case, it is best to consult a skin care specialist who will likely recommend wearing sunscreen and using skin care products that are meant to brighten the skin. There are also medical procedures that can help reduce the appearance of melasma such as microneedling, chemical peels, laser treatments, and light therapy.
Melasma can be difficult to treat, even if you stick to a treatment plan. Researchers have been studying this issue for some years, which has resulted in several therapy breakthroughs. When receiving a chemical peel your dermatologist will apply a chemical solution to the melasma during this process. This can aid in the removal of excess pigment. Additionally, microneedling generates small tears in your skin and is a minimally invasive technique. The skin tends to have a more even skin tone as it heals. Lastly, adding a laser or light treatment to patients who are already applying medication to their skin and protecting it from the sun has been shown in a few studies to boost results. It can be tough to avoid melasma because doctors aren’t always sure what causes it. The easiest approach to avoid it is to apply sunscreen with a broad spectrum and a high SPF every day.