Melasma is a term for the patchy discoloration of the skin, usually found on the face. It is also called chloasma faciei and as the Mask of Pregnancy.
- Despite its association to pregnancy, the condition can affect women who aren’t.
- It can also be found in women who take oral contraceptive pills.
- The condition can also be found in individuals who have certain ancestries including those of Native American descent.
- The condition is diagnosed visually with a Wood’s Lamp together with the medical history
What are the Causes of Melasma
- The exact cause of the condition is not known, but it is believed to have a connection with estrogen and its stimulation of estrogen and progesterone.
- Thyroid problems also seem to increase the incidence of melasma in patients because of the over stimulation of the melanocyte stimulating hormone.
- Genetics also plays a part in the occurrence of melasma
- The condition may also be, although rarely, caused by an allergic reaction to cosmetics and medication.
- A certain type of melasma – Melasma Suprarenale – may be brought on by Addison’s Disease. It is characterized by darkening even with just slight pressure.
Melasma Symptoms
- Dark discolored patches found on the skin of the face, on the cheek, on the nose, or on the lips.
- The discoloration can develop gradually.
- There are no other symptoms other than the skin discoloration.
How to Prevent Melasma
- Prevention is going to involve protecting the skin from sun exposure
- Using SPF on the skin or using a hat when out in the daylight can help prevent melasma from appearing.
- Avoiding trauma to the skin is also necessary when preventing the condition.
Home Remedies to Treat Melasma
- In pregnancy related melasma, the spots usually go away within months after giving birth. The same thing goes when the use of birth control is stopped.
- If it is not associated with pregnancy or birth control, the symptoms will go away when the underlying problem is addressed.
There are also a number of treatments that can help to hasten the lightening of the melasma. Before using these treatments, it is important to ask permission from a doctor as it can cause birth defects and problems for breastfeeding women.
- Tretinoin and other chemical peels – increases the cell turnover of the skin. This is a derivative of Vitamin A.
- Laser Treatment – helps peel off the dark skin discoloration
- Lemon Juice – applied to the skin, it helps lighten spots.
- Castor Oil – can remove the spots
- Hydrogen peroxide