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Monday, March 10, 2008

Melasma

MELASMA:

Melasma is a dark discoloration of skin that occurs on sun-exposed areas of the parts of the body. Mostly, it is develop in women especially in pregnant women. It is also develop in persons who are taking hormone replacement therapy medications and contraceptives.

It can be located on the upper lips, the forehead, the cheeks or the chin. It is also known as chloasma by some people. It appears as brown or black in color on the face. It can be seen in young men who use scented soaps, toiletries or shave lotions or any type of fragrance on the skin.

It is common in women above aged 20. Mostly it is develop during pregnancy. It can occur in Asians, Africa, Indians or people from the Middle East. Melasma gets worse in the summer but it may fades in winter.

Causes: It is develop in female who are taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy during menopause. Risk factors for melasma include tropical climates and sun exposure. It develops with the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. It can be arise from deficiency of nutritional, genetic factors, hepatic dysfunction and medications.

Symptoms of melasma:

Discoloration of skin is the main symptom of melasma. It can be seen on the forehead, upper lip, cheeks and nose in brown color. It appears as irregular or dark patches. There is no other symptoms are found in case of severe melasma.

Diagnosis: melasma is usually diagnosed by appearance of skin discoloration. Wood’s lamp may also to diagnose the melasma. Your health care provider may use a skin biopsy and skin examination to diagnose melasma.

Treatment of melasma:

  • A bleaching cream containing hydroquinone with tretinoin cream can be used to fade the melasma.
  • Laser treatment may be helpful to remove the skin discoloration.
  • You should avoid exposure to the sun for a long period.
  • You should use sunscreen lotions or creams daily.
  • You should use only mild soaps or cleanser for wash your face.
  • You should apply bleaching creams on the affected area for 6-8 months.
  • You may be used tretinoin cream or fruit cream containing lactic acid, fruit acid or glycolic acid.
  • Camouflage cosmetics approach is also beneficial for treatment of melasma.
  • Use sunblock lotions or creams with SPF-30.
  • You should be stopped use of make-up, creams, lotions or facial cleansers which irritates the skin.
  • Microdermabrasion, chemical peels or laser surgery may also help to treat the melasma.
  • Use Retin-A cream to the affected area before going to the bed, it is effective and safe treatment for melasma.

In all treatments, avoidance of exposure to sun is required. Tretinoin, bleaching cream or laser treatment cannot be used during pregnancy. In case of severe melasma, you should call your health care provider as soon as possible.

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