Melasma is one of the most common pigmentation disorders among women. It often appears as dark patches on the face, affecting appearance and self-confidence.
It is usually caused by hormonal factors and sun exposure. It is not considered a harmful skin condition, but it can be aesthetically disturbing for some women.
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a common skin disorder that causes dark brown or gray patches to appear on the skin. It often appears on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. Melasma affects women more than men and increases during hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or the use of birth control pills.
What are the causes of melasma?
There are some factors that increase the risk of developing melasma, including:
- Hormonal changes, for example, during pregnancy.
- Exposure to sunlight, as ultraviolet rays stimulate melanin production in the skin.
- Genetic factors.
- Thyroid disease.
What are the symptoms of melasma?
Symptoms of melasma include:
- Painless, non-itchy dark spots.
- Slight roughness in some affected areas.
- Increased skin sensitivity to the sun or cosmetics.
- Weight changes or irregular menstrual cycles.
- Feeling tired or sluggish.
Methods for Diagnosing Melasma
There are several methods for diagnosing melasma, including:
- A clinical examination, where the doctor assesses the appearance and location of the spots.
- A Wood's lamp, a special light that reveals the depth of pigmentation.
- In rare cases, a small skin sample is taken for examination under a microscope.
- Hormonal tests.
What are the complications of melasma?
Some complications may occur with melasma, including:
- Chronic hyperpigmentation if not treated appropriately.
- Resistance to treatment or recurrence after improvement.
- Psychological effects due to the appearance of the skin.
Medications for Treating Melasma
Many medications are available for treating melasma, including:
- Hydroquinone works to lighten the spots.
- Tretinoin for skin peeling.
- Azelaic acid, which is safe during pregnancy.
- Niacinamide, which is a type of vitamin B3.
Warning: These medications should be used under medical supervision.
Methods for treating melasma
Several methods are available to treat melasma, including:
- Topical medication.
- Chemical peeling.
- Laser or intense pulsed light (IPL).
Methods for preventing melasma
Several methods are available to help prevent melasma, including:
- Daily sunscreen use.
- Avoid harsh skin products.
- Early hormonal testing to control hormonal factors.
Does melasma affect pregnancy?
Melasma does not affect the health of the fetus or the pregnant woman, but treatment is often delayed until after birth to avoid exposing the fetus to any harmful topical medications.
What is the difference between melasma and freckles?
Melasma occurs on the face and appears as large, symmetrical brown spots.
Freckles, on the other hand, occur anywhere on the body and appear as small dots or patches of uneven skin tone.
A Summary of Melasma, Its Causes, and Prevention
Melasma is a skin pigmentation that appears on the face and often affects women. It occurs as a result of hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, but also as a result of sun exposure or genetic factors.
To prevent it, be sure to use sunscreen, avoid the sun, especially during peak hours, and use gentle skin products. Please see a dermatologist to reduce its appearance or treat it early.