The skin darkening that accompanies melasma worries many women. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, melasma affects roughly 15% of pregnant women and up to 25% of women who use birth control. Even though up to 90% of people with melasma are women, men can also be affected by the disorder.
Although melasma affects a large number of people, many of them nevertheless have queries and worries concerning their disease. What is melasma? Melasma is treated in what manner? Is melasma preventable? Let’s investigate the issue further and learn all there is to know about melasma.
What is melasma?
An ordinary skin ailment is a melasma. It is occasionally known as “the pregnant mask.” Skin tone darkens as a result, mainly on the face. Those with darker complexion are more likely to get melasma.
Brown or gray-brown patches that often develop on the chin, forehead, nose, upper lip, and cheeks are the hallmarks of melasma. In addition to other body areas, melasma can also show up on the arms and neck.
How is the name Melasma derived?
Dr. Doppelt and his team can tell if you have melasma by looking at your skin. They may use a special light called a Wood lamp to detect how deeply the melasma has infiltrated the skin. This kind of examination can also be used by Dr. Doppelt to rule out bacterial or fungal diseases as potential causes of skin darkening.
Dr. Doppelt might conduct a biopsy in some circumstances. This is typically done to check for more severe skin problems. During a biopsy, a small portion of the afflicted skin is removed for additional analysis.
What distinguishes hyperpigmentation from melasma?
While having a connection to skin darkening, melasma, and hyperpigmentation are two different conditions. Despite the similarities between the symptoms and treatments, they are not the same.
One of the most common forms of hyperpigmentation is age spots, often known as liver spots. Hyperpigmentation is brought on by sunlight and UV radiation. Contrarily, melasma is commonly connected to hormones.
What is the treatment?
If your melasma was brought on by pregnancy or taking birth control pills, it may go away on its own after your hormone levels return to normal.
If melasma doesn’t go away on its own, Dr. Doppelt and his team can treat it in several ways. The initial choices are often creams and other topical products that can brighten the skin. Among the melasma treatments are:
The skin-lightening drug hydroquinone is available as a cream, lotion, gel, or liquid.
Tretinoin and corticosteroids are frequently used with hydroquinone. Tri-Luma cream is a medication that contains all three medications (hydroquinone, tretinoin, and acetonide).
Azelaic acid or kojic acid can be used to lighten and brighten the skin. On occasion, glycolic acid is also used.
How Do I Treat My Melasma?
Although melasma might be resistant to therapy, the majority of instances do. You can deal with it for a while by doing a few things. Among the coping mechanisms are:
If you need assistance managing or seeking treatment for this condition, you can count on Dr. Doppelt and Southeastern Dermatology to offer the kind of care that only a board-certified doctor can offer. This care includes wearing makeup to cover discoloration and even out your skin tone, adhering to your dermatologist’s treatment plan, daily application of sunscreen, wearing a hat that covers your face, or clothing that protects your skin.
By making an accurate diagnosis and considering your treatment choices, Dr. Doppelt and his team can make sure that your melasma is under control. You can get back to loving your skin with professional treatment.
Do you want to get rid of your melasma? To make an appointment, get in touch with our office straight immediately.
How can prevented?
According to research from Harvard Medical School, there are a few things you can do to avoid developing melasma when pregnant or using hormones. The most crucial thing, though, is to apply sunscreen with additional caution.
Sun exposure has the potential to exacerbate and intensify melasma. Sun protection must be taken seriously if you have melasma or any other skin issue.
Unfortunately, not all sunscreens are created equal when it comes to preventing melasma. It is critical to be aware that the greatest sun protection products shelter the user from heat and light in addition to the sun’s damaging rays. As a result, those who are susceptible to melasma should opt for a sunscreen that has the physical blockers titanium dioxide and light zinc. Chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone don’t offer as good protection and may trigger reactions that exacerbate the illness.