Melasma is a pigmentation disorder that leads to the appearance of grey or brown-coloured patches on your skin, especially on the face. Women are mostly affected with Melasma compared to men. Women having dark skin and are pregnant are at higher risk of developing melasma.
Causes of Melasma
The cause of melasma is still unknown; however, it could be due to the dysfunction of melanocytes in the skin. The dysfunction of melanocytes leads to the production of a tremendous amount of colour. Hence, people having dark skin colour are at higher risk of developing melasma because they have more melanocytes compared to light colour people.
The key triggers to melasma are:
- Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy
- Exposure to sun
- Use of birth control pills
- Skincare products that are not suitable for the skin
Signs and Symptoms of Melasma
The common symptom of melasma is the appearance of patches on your skin. Melasma does not cause any physical symptoms; however, people dislike the appearance of these discolored patches on their skin.
The common area on the face where melasma generally appears is as follows:
- Forehead
- Upper lip
- Cheeks
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Forearms
- Bridge of your nose
In addition, Melasma also appears on various areas of the body that are exposed to sunlight for a lengthy period of time.
How is Melasma Diagnosed?
Most of the time, the dermatologist diagnoses melasma based on visual examination of the skin. Since melasma symptoms are like other skin-related conditions, the doctor could perform a biopsy at the time of the initial visit. In the biopsy, the doctor will take a very small portion of the skin to conduct a further examination in the laboratory to confirm whether you are affected with melasma or some other skin-related disorder.
Treatment Options for Melasma
The treatment for melasma is not required in all cases. If the melasma is caused due to hormone changes during pregnancy, melasma will fade off once you stop taking birth control pills or after the delivery. For some people, melasma will last for several years, whereas for some people, it can last for a lifetime.
If your melasma does not reduce over time, then you need treatment to get rid of melasma. The following might be prescribed by the doctor to treat melasma:
- Creams that help in lightening the colour of the skin.
- Topical steroids that will help in lightening the melasma affected area.
- Dermabrasion, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion remove the upper layer of the skin and lighten the dark patches.
Avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen regularly. After undergoing these treatments, it is possible that melasma could come back. Therefore, it is recommended to follow up with your healthcare provider on a regular basis and adhere to specific skin treatment practices to minimize the recurrence of melasma.
Care at IRA Radiance Skin and Hair Clinic
IRA Radiance Skin and Hair Clinic is a renowned skin and hair clinic in Hyderabad that is equipped with advanced and latest diagnostics and treatment facilities. The doctors are amicable, listens to your concern, address your queries, and provide robust treatment options that will help you to manage your condition efficiently. If you are observing the development of discolored patches on your skin, then immediately schedule your appointment at our clinic to know the available treatment options. To book an appointment, please feel free to call us.