.webp)
Causes of Melasma
Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun stimulates the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Sun exposure can exacerbate melasma, leading to the darkening of existing patches and the development of new ones.
Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, can trigger melasma. It commonly occurs during pregnancy (known as chloasma or "the mask of pregnancy"), when hormone levels are elevated, and may also be associated with the use of hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Genetics: There appears to be a genetic predisposition to melasma, as it often runs in families. Individuals with a family history of melasma are more likely to develop the condition themselves.
Cosmetics and Skin Care Products: Certain cosmetics, toiletries, and skin care products containing ingredients that irritate the skin or cause photosensitivity can contribute to the development of melasma or exacerbate existing patches.
Medications: Some medications, such as certain antibiotics, antiseizure drugs, and hormone treatments, can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight and trigger melasma-like pigmentation.
Thyroid Disorders: There is some evidence to suggest that thyroid dysfunction may be associated with melasma, although the exact mechanism is not well understood.
Other Factors: Other factors such as stress, heat, and certain medical conditions may also play a role in the development or exacerbation of melasma, though their contribution is less well-established.
Epidermal melasma is a common skin condition characterized by the overproduction of melanin in the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. This excess melanin leads to the formation of brown patches or irregular pigmentation, typically on sun-exposed areas of the face such as the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip. While the exact cause of epidermal melasma is not fully understood, it is often associated with hormonal changes, sun exposure, genetic predisposition, and certain medications.
Symptoms:
Diagnosis and Treatment: Diagnosis of epidermal melasma is usually made based on clinical examination, where characteristic brown patches with well-defined borders are observed on the affected areas of the face. Wood's lamp examination, which uses ultraviolet light, can sometimes help differentiate epidermal melasma from other types. Treatment options for epidermal melasma typically include topical medications containing ingredients such as hydroquinone, retinoids, and azelaic acid, which work by inhibiting melanin production and promoting skin turnover. Additionally, procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy may be recommended to further lighten the pigmentation and improve skin texture. Sun protection measures, including sunscreen use and avoidance of sun exposure, are essential components of melasma management to prevent worsening of pigmentation.
Dermal melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation characterized by the deposition of melanin in the deeper layers of the skin, particularly the dermis. Unlike epidermal melasma, which presents as brown patches with well-defined borders, dermal melasma typically appears as bluish-gray patches with less distinct borders. This type of melasma is often more challenging to treat due to the deeper location of the pigmentation and may require a combination of therapeutic modalities for effective management.
Symptoms:
Diagnosis and Treatment: Diagnosing dermal melasma involves clinical examination to identify characteristic bluish-gray patches on sun-exposed areas of the face. Wood's lamp examination may also be performed to distinguish dermal melasma from other forms of hyperpigmentation. Treatment options for dermal melasma often include topical agents such as hydroquinone, retinoids, and azelaic acid, similar to epidermal melasma. However, due to the deeper location of the pigmentation, dermal melasma may require additional interventions such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser therapy to target the pigmentation in the dermal layer effectively. Sun protection measures remain crucial to prevent further darkening of pigmentation and recurrence of melasma.
Mixed melasma is a common type of hyperpigmentation characterized by a combination of both epidermal and dermal components. This means that individuals with mixed melasma exhibit characteristics of both types of melasma, with brown patches of pigmentation with well-defined borders alongside bluish-gray patches with less distinct borders. Mixed melasma often poses a challenge in treatment, as it requires addressing both the superficial and deeper layers of pigmentation for optimal results.
Symptoms:
Diagnosis and Treatment: Diagnosing mixed melasma involves clinical assessment to identify both epidermal and dermal components of pigmentation. Wood's lamp examination and dermoscopy may be employed to further characterize the extent and depth of pigmentation. Treatment of mixed melasma typically entails a comprehensive approach combining topical agents such as hydroquinone, retinoids, and azelaic acid to target epidermal pigmentation, along with procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser therapy to address dermal pigmentation effectively. Sun protection measures are essential throughout treatment to prevent exacerbation of pigmentation and maintain treatment outcomes.
Sun Protection: UV exposure can worsen melasma, so wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily is crucial. Additionally, wearing hats and seeking shade can further protect your skin.
Topical Treatments: Dermatologists often prescribe topical treatments containing ingredients such as hydroquinone, tretinoin, corticosteroids, azelaic acid, kojic acid, or niacinamide. These can help lighten the dark patches over time.
Chemical Peels: Chemical peels containing ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid can help exfoliate the skin and lighten melasma patches. However, these should be done under professional supervision to avoid irritation or worsening of the condition.
Laser Therapy: Various laser and light-based treatments, such as intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy and fractional laser therapy, can target melasma pigmentation. Laser treatments work by breaking up the excess melanin in the skin, but they may require multiple sessions and carry some risks, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Microneedling: This procedure involves creating tiny punctures in the skin with fine needles to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. When combined with topical treatments, microneedling may help lighten melasma patches.
Cosmetic Camouflage: Makeup can be used to conceal melasma patches temporarily. Look for products labeled as "high coverage" or "long-wear" for best results.
Oral Medications: In some cases, oral medications like tranexamic acid may be prescribed to help lighten melasma patches. These medications work by inhibiting melanin production.
Hormonal Therapy: For women whose melasma is triggered by hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or birth control pills), adjusting hormone levels may help improve the condition. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential before making any changes to hormone therapy.
Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by brown to gray-brown patches, typically on the face. It's more prevalent in women and often occurs during pregnancy or with the use of hormonal contraceptives.
The exact cause of melasma is not fully understood, but it's believed to be related to hormonal changes, sun exposure, and genetic predisposition. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during pregnancy or while taking birth control pills, can trigger melasma. UV exposure also plays a significant role in its development.
While anyone can develop melasma, it's more common in women, especially those with a family history of the condition or those with darker skin types. Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or the use of hormonal contraceptives, can increase the risk.
The primary symptom of melasma is the appearance of dark, irregular patches on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, chin, and above the upper lip. These patches typically darken with sun exposure and may fade slightly during the winter months.
Melasma is usually diagnosed based on its characteristic appearance on the skin. In some cases, a dermatologist may perform a Wood's lamp examination, which uses ultraviolet light to reveal pigmentary changes in the skin.
Melasma is a chronic condition, and while it can be treated, it cannot be cured. Treatment aims to lighten the dark patches and prevent them from worsening. With proper management, melasma can be controlled effectively.
Treatment options for melasma include topical medications such as hydroquinone, tretinoin, and corticosteroids, as well as procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy. Sun protection is also essential to prevent further darkening of the skin.
While it may not be entirely preventable, you can reduce your risk of developing melasma by practicing sun protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen daily, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing and hats when outdoors. Additionally, avoiding hormonal triggers, if possible, may help prevent melasma from worsening.
Oncology
Neurology
Gastroenterology
Pulmonology
Liver Transplant
Urology
Orthopedics
Cardiology
040 6700 0000 
040 6700 0111
Doctor
Speciality