Melasma is a chronic skin condition that typically affects women of ethnic skin types. It is characterised by brown spots of pigment on the forehead, cheeks, and chin and can be brought on by hormone changes, UV rays, and heat. Read this article to learn more about the causes of melasma and potential treatments.
What is MELASMA and how is it caused?
Melasma is a common skin condition that typically manifests as blue-grey, dark brown, or light brown patches on the skin. Forearms and your face, particularly the cheekbones, upper lip, and forehead, are frequently afflicted locations. They might appear as flat patches or freckle-like dots. Pregnant ladies are frequently affected by it.
A dark pigment known as melanin is stored and produced by cells in the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. Melanocytes respond to light, heat, UV radiation, hormone stimulation, and other factors by producing more melanin, which is why your skin darkens.
Darker-skinned people are more at risk than those with fair skin, and melasma can be brought on by birth control pills, pregnancy, and hormone therapy, among other things. However, the exact aetiology of melasma is unknown. Sun exposure can potentially induce melasma because ultraviolet rays impact the cells that regulate pigment, stress, and thyroid disease are other possible causes (melanocytes).
How can it be treated?
When melasma is brought on by a trigger, such as pregnancy or a drug, it may fade away on its own. While melasma cannot hurt your body, it’s reasonable that many people wish to treat it but typically, the most effective treatment combines sun protection with medications that you apply to your skin. Rarely is surgery required, so if you wish to treat melasma, be careful to ask your dermatologist how much it will cost. Because the operation is not deemed medically essential, most insurance companies won’t pay the bill. If you want to have melasma treated, your dermatologist will develop a customised treatment plan for you based on your skin tone, the depth to which the melasma has penetrated your skin, and any melasma triggers.
