Many women are concerned about the skin darkening that comes with melasma. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, melasma affects about 15% of pregnant women and up to 25% of women who use birth control. Melasma can affect men as well, despite the fact that women account for up to 90% of those with the condition.
Despite the fact that melasma affects so many people, many of them have questions and concerns about their condition. Melasma: what is it? How is it treat for melasma? Can melasma be avoided? Let’s take a deeper look at the problem and find out what you need to know about melasma.
What is it?
Melasma is a common skin condition. It is sometimes refer to as “the pregnancy mask.” It darkens the skin, most frequently on the face. Melasma is more common in people who have darker skin.
Melasma is characterize by brown or gray-brown patches that typically appear on the chin, forehead, nose and upper lip, and cheeks. Melasma can also appear on the arms and neck, among other parts of the body.
How does Melasma Get Its Name?
By looking at your skin, Dr. Doppelt and his staff can determine if you have melasma. To determine the extent to which the melasma has penetrated the skin, they might make use of a special light known as a Wood lamp. Dr. Doppelt can also use this kind of examination to rule out other causes of skin darkening, like fungal or bacterial infections.
A biopsy may performed by Dr. Doppelt in some cases. Most of the time, this is done to look for more serious skin conditions. A tiny piece of the affect skin is taken out during a biopsy for further examination.
What distinguishes melasma from hyperpigmentation?
Melasma and hyperpigmentation are distinct conditions, despite their connection to skin darkening. Even though the symptoms and treatments are similar, they are not the same thing.
Age spots, also known as liver spots, are one type of hyperpigmentation that occurs most frequently. Sunlight and UV rays cause hyperpigmentation. Melasma, on the other hand, is frequently link to hormones.
What is Treatment?
When your hormones return to their normal levels, your melasma may disappear on its own if it was brought on by pregnancy or taking birth control pills.
Melasma can treated in a variety of ways by Dr. Doppelt and his staff if it doesn’t go away on its own. Creams and other topical agents that can lighten the skin are frequently the first options. Treatments for melasma include:
Hydroquinone: This medication lightens the skin and can used as a cream, lotion, gel, or liquid.
Corticosteroids and tretinoin: Hydroquinone is frequently use in conjunction with these. Medicines that contain every one of the three drugs (hydroquinone, tretinoin, and acetonide) are called Tri-Luma cream.
Kojic acid or azelaic acid: The skin can lightened and brightened with these acids. Glycolic acid is also utilize from time to time.
What Can I Do About My Melasma?
Melasma can be stubborn, but most cases respond well to treatment. You can deal with it for a while by doing a few things. Methods of coping include:
- Wearing makeup to cover up discoloration and even out your skin tone, following your dermatologist’s treatment plan, applying sunscreen every day, wearing a hat that covers your face, or clothing that protects your skin, if you need help coping with or seeking treatment for this condition, you can rely on Dr. Doppelt and Southeastern Dermatology to provide the kind of care that only a board-certified doctor can provide. Dr. Doppelt and his staff can ensure that your melasma is under control by providing you with a precise diagnosis and weighing your treatment options. With professional care, you’ll be back to loving the skin you’re in.
- Are you ready to resolve your melasma? Contact our office right away to set up an appointment.
What can you do to avoid melasma?
- There are a few things you can do to prevent melasma while pregnant or taking hormones, according to Harvard Medical School data. But the most important thing is to use sunscreen with extra caution.
- Melasma can made worse and aggravated by sun exposure. Melasma and numerous other skin conditions necessitate diligent sun protection.
- However, when it comes to melasma prevention, not all sunscreens are create equal. It is essential to be aware that the best sun protection products not only shield the wearer from the sun’s harmful rays but also from heat and light. As a result, people who are at risk for melasma should look for sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide and light zinc, two physical blockers. Oxybenzone-based chemical sunscreens don’t protect as well and can even cause reactions that can make the condition worse.