Melasma: causes, symptoms and means of treatment & bull; hello healthy

Definition of melasma

Melasma (also known as chloasma) is a type of skin disease characterized by the appearance of hyperpegmented patches on the face. Sometimes, these patches are also seen on areas that are frequently exposed to sunlight such as the neck and forearms.

Sometimes, this disease is called "mask of pregnancy ” because it is quite common among pregnant women. However, the spots that appear during pregnancy will usually disappear after the mother gives birth.

How common is melasma?

Melasma is quite common. Its appearance is more common in women, especially pregnant women. In fact, according to data from the Cleveland Clinic, it is estimated that around 15% - 50% of women experience this during pregnancy.

People with a family history of people with melasma have a higher chance of developing this condition. Fortunately, melasma can be treated by reducing the risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and symptoms of melasma

A characteristic symptom of this condition is the appearance of hyperpigmented patches that are brown or darker than your usual skin tone.

The color that appears depends on the depth of the pigment. For this reason, melasma is divided into three types. Below are the three types.

• Epidermal: Patches have dark brown color with clear borders.
• Dermal: light brown or bluish patches with more blurred outlines. These patches will not be obvious when examined below wood's lamp.
• Mixed: the most common of the three, characterized by bluish and brown patches and mixed patterns.

This condition usually appears on the forehead, cheeks, bridge of the nose, and above the upper lip. However, patches can also appear on other parts of the body such as:

• shoulder,
• upper arm,
• forearm,
• neck,
• jaw, and
• chin.

When it occurs on the face, the patches often appear symmetrically on both sides, forming almost the same pattern.

Melasma does not cause pain, itching, or other discomfort. But in some cases, the spots can turn red or even become inflamed.

When to see a doctor for melasma?

If you begin to experience the signs and symptoms mentioned above, you should immediately consult a doctor. Later the doctor can refer you to a dermatologist or a skin specialist.

It's important to remember that everyone's body reacts differently. If the spotting is also accompanied by other symptoms that are not mentioned, consult your doctor to confirm your condition and get the right solution.

Causes and risk factors for melasma

What causes melasma?

The cause of this condition is still unclear. Most likely, melasma occurs when melanocytes (the pigment-producing cells in the skin) produce too much color.

Meanwhile, the main trigger for the emergence of this condition is radiation, either from ultraviolet or infrared rays, and hormonal changes.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from sun exposure can stimulate the action of melanocytes. In fact, only a small amount of exposure can cause melasma to come back after it disappears. Sun exposure is a frequent trigger for melasma recurrences.

Apart from UV rays, hormonal changes are often the trigger, especially in pregnant women. It is suspected that the increase in levels of estrogen, progesterone, and the hormone stimulating melanocytes during the third trimester also plays a role in its appearance.

What puts a person more at risk of developing this condition?

There are several factors that make a person more prone to developing melasma. Are as follows.

• People with darker skin, because they have more active melanocytes.
• Family history, if you have parents who have this condition, the risk of experiencing the same thing will be higher.
• Often exposed to LED light from televisions, laptops, cellphones, or other electronic objects.
• Using medications that make you more sensitive to sunlight, such as antibiotics, NSAIDs, and diuretic drugs.
• Frequently use skin care products that contain fragrances.
• Stress.
• Have other health conditions such as thyroid.
• Using drugs that cause hormonal changes, such as birth control pills.

Diagnosis and treatment

How is melasma diagnosed?

Doctors usually just do an examination by looking directly at the patches that appear on your skin. To make it easier, doctors will also usually check the spots under a special tool called wood's lamp.

Wood's lamp is a type of lamp with a special light that checks for infection and determines how much of the skin is affected by melasma.

To check for serious skin conditions, the doctor may also perform a biopsy. This method uses the removal of a small piece of the affected skin for testing.

What are the treatments for this disease?

This condition can disappear on its own. This often occurs when the trigger that caused the melasma, such as pregnancy or birth control pills, has finished (the patient is no longer exposed to the trigger).

However, some people have these patches for years (even for life). If the melasma does not go away or a woman wants to keep using birth control pills, the treatment for melasma is as follows.

Hydroquinone

The first common drug to treat melasma is hydroquinone. This medication is applied topically to the skin and works to lighten the skin.

Hydroquinone can be found in the form of a cream, lotion, gel, or liquid. Sometimes, you can use treatment products containing hydroquinone which can be purchased without a doctor's prescription.

However, over-the-counter products do not contain as much hydroquinone as products that dermatologists prescribe.

Tretinoin and corticosteroids

Apart from hydroquinone, the doctor will also prescribe a companion drug that helps brighten skin tone. This drug can be tretinoin or a corticosteroid.

Sometimes one drug contains three components at once (hydroquinone, tretinoin, and corticosteroid). This mixture is often mentioned triple cream.

Other ointments

Your dermatologist can prescribe azelaic acid or kojic acid to help lighten this skin condition.

Exfoliation procedure

If the ointment does not resolve this condition, certain treatment procedures may be successful. The procedure in question usually involves chemical peels (such as glycolic acid), microdermabrasion, and dermabrasion.

This treatment procedure can only be performed by a dermatologist. Otherwise, new skin problems can arise if the treatment does not adjust to the patient's skin type.

Home remedies

The following lifestyle changes and home remedies may help you treat this condition.

Use sunscreen every day

One of the most common treatments for melasma is sun protection. Since sunlight is a trigger, it's important to use sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days.

Choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, has an SPF of 30 or more, and zinc oxide and / or titanium dioxide to physically limit the sun's effects on your skin.

Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside and reapply at least every two hours.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outside

In addition to applying sunscreen, use a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face from sun exposure. Also limit the time you spend outdoors and find shade.

Choose skin-friendly skin care products

Choose a product skincare that doesn't sting or burn, as products that irritate the skin can make conditions worse.

Avoid waxing

Waxing can cause skin inflammation which can make the skin condition worse. So it's important to avoid waxing in order to avoid the risk of developing this condition.

Ask your dermatologist about the type hair removal or another hair removal method that may be right for you.