Melasma – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment Melasma is a common skin condition that affects mostly women. But men can also develop it. Melasma affects 90% of women, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. What is melasma? Melasma is a skin problem that affects a large number of people. It causes brown or grey patches to form on the skin mainly on the face including the bridge of the nose, forehead, cheeks and upper lips. But it may also appear on some parts of the body parts as well. When it affects pregnant women, it’s also known as chloasma or mask of pregnancy. What are the symptoms of melasma? Melasma is characterized by the appearance of discoloured patches of skin. While the emergence of these patches does not create any other physical symptoms, some people find them annoying. The face is the most prevalent location for melasma patches to occur. The upper lips, chin, bridge of the nose, cheeks, and forehead are all common spots. Patches on the arms and neck are also less common. Causes and risk factors of melasma The exact cause of melasma is unknown. Individuals with darker complexion are more vulnerable than those with lighter skin. The condition is also linked to estrogen and progesterone sensitivity. Melasma can be triggered by birth control pills, pregnancy, stress and hormone therapy. Melasma is thought to be caused by stress and thyroid disorders. Furthermore, because UV rays impact the cells that govern pigment or melanocytes, sun exposure can produce melasma. How is melasma diagnosed? According to dermatologists most cases of melasma are straightforward to diagnose during a visual examination. A dermatologist may take a tiny biopsy at the initial appointment because melasma might look like other skin disorders. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small part of the skin is removed for analysis in a laboratory. A doctor may also use a gadget known as a Wood’s lamp to examine the skin more closely. How is melasma treated? Melasma can go away on its own for some women. This is most commonly caused by pregnancy or birth control drugs. There are creams that your doctor can prescribe to help brighten your skin. Topical steroids may also be prescribed to help lighten the afflicted regions. Chemical peels, dermabrasion, and microdermabrasion are also choices if they don’t work. These procedures remove the top layers of the skin and may help brighten dark spots. It may reappear after these procedures, and certain cases of
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