Dark patches on face are characterized by dark brown or grayish patches that are delimited by hyperpigmented macules or small spots.
The macules or small spots that characterize these dark patches can either be confluent or punctuate.
When the dark patches or melasma appears during pregnancy, this is referred to as chloasma.
Though typically seen on the cheek area, it can also appear on the upper lip, chin and forehead.
This condition generally strikes women and some men aging from 20-50 years old.
Those that have olive skin type like Hispanics, Mid-eastern, and Asian individuals are prone to having melasma.
Pregnant women are also at high risk of having these dark patches especially if they come from Asian and Latin descents.
There are three facial patterns that these dark patches take. These are centrofacial or at the center of the face, malar or on the cheek area, and mandibular or on the jawbone area.
What Causes Dark Patches on Face
Excessive exposure to the sun is the leading cause of melasma or dark patches on the face.
When the skin is exposed to too much sun, melanocytes or the cells that produce pigments are stimulated by the sex hormones to make more melanin causing dark patches to appear.
Hormonal activities in women patients can cause these dark patches to appear. This is especially true during pregnancy, when taking birth control pills, or those who undergo HRT or Hormone Replacement Therapy.
Genetic Predisposition.
Anti-seizure medications and other kinds of medications that expose patients to ultraviolet light.
Race.
Diseases in the thyroid glands like hypothyroidism.
Allergic reactions to certain medications and facial cosmetics.
Trauma. Injuries to the face can cause melasma suprarenale which in turn causes melasma.
Stress. Stress can cause excessive production of the melanocyte –stimulating hormone which can cause outbreaks of melasma.
Home Remedies for Dark Patches on Face
Most common treatment for melasma includes over-the-counter creams that can be easily applied by patients. These creams contain hydroquinone which can help lighten the skin that has dark patches. These creams are applied twice a day and should be covered by sunscreen during the day.
These dark patches often go away naturally when applied with sunscreen lotions and avoiding sun exposure.
A mixture of lime and tomato juice in equal amounts can be rubbed on the affected. This mixture should be left on the face overnight and washed with lukewarm water.
Raw potatoes that have been grated and made into a mask can help lighten the dark patches. This should be placed on the affected area for at least ten minutes in a daily basis.
A facial mask made from combining honey and raw turmeric.
