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Melasma
Melasma is one of the forms of skin pigmentation, a pigmentation disorder that presents as bilateral dark and blotchy patches/spots (usually brown or gray) or uneven skin tone on the sun-exposed areas, chiefly on the face. Previously, it was called chloasma. As melasma most commonly develops in pregnant women, it is sometimes referred to as the ‘mask of pregnancy.’ This skin concern is medically/ physically harmless but a cause of embarrassment for many people. It can lead to psychological issues and poorer life quality because of the changes it causes in appearance, which is why people do seek treatment.
People who are facing this issue can get melasma treatment in Faridabad by Dr. Soumya Singh at The Skin Clinique. At the clinic most advanced techniques and treatments are available that make skin look flawless and glowing by treating (removing) unwanted pigmentation.
The most common facial areas affected by melasma include the forehead, nasal bridge, upper lip, cheeks, and chin. Other than the face, melasma can less commonly affect areas like the neck, forearms, and shoulders.
Who gets melasma?
Women are commonly affected by melasma more than men, with onset typically between the ages of 20-40 years or at the time of their pregnancy. Anyone whose skin gets tanned easily or is naturally brown (Fitzpatrick skin phototypes III, IV) can get melasma. The condition is less likely to be noticed in people having fair skin complexion (Fitzpatrick Skin phototypes I and II) or very dark/black skin (Fitzpatrick phototypes V and VI).
To know more about melasma and pigmentation in Faridabad book a visit now at Dr. Soumya Singh at The Skin Clinique.
What causes melasma?
Skin experts believe that Melasma, a kind of hyperpigmentation, develops when there is an overabundance of melanin in certain parts of the skin. Melanin is a colored pigment responsible for providing natural color to the skin, eyes, and hair. It is produced by melanocytes- the specialized skin cells. Dark-skinned individuals have skin containing more melanin pigment while fair complexions possess less melanin. When the melanocytes malfunction (due to any reason) and start to produce an excess of melanin, skin discoloration can be seen as dark, blotchy areas on the superficial skin called melasma.
Also, melasma has been known as a photoaging disorder in genetically predisposed individuals.
The risk factors/triggers implicated in the development of melasma are-
- Family history- Up to 50-60% of people with melasma have reported their family members/close relatives to be affected too.
- Sun exposure- UV rays from the sun can promote melanin production.
- Hormonal fluctuations- Pregnant women, women who have been taking estrogen/progesterone-containing birth control pills or got implants, intrauterine devices, and hormone replacement therapy, and those with thyroid disorders can develop melasma. According to estimates, it has been found that 70% of pregnant women who are in their second or third trimester are affected by melasma.
- Certain medications/scented products- Some perfumed soaps, toiletries, cosmetics, and new targeted therapies for cancer can irritate the skin and may cause a phototoxic reaction to trigger melasma. There are even anti-seizure medications, some blood pressure medications, retinoids, and certain antibiotics that can trigger melasma by making the skin more sensitive to sun exposure.
- Skin inflammation- Inflamed skin can develop melasma in some people. Inflammation can be resulting from cosmetic procedures like laser treatments and chemical peels.
For more information on skin darkening treatment in Faridabad book a visit now with Dr. Soumya Singh at The Skin Clinique.
Diagnosis of melasma
Most cases of melasma are easily identifiable during a simple visual inspection of the patient by the dermatologist. The doctor may use Wood’s lamp and dermatoscope, devices to have close look at the affected skin, more easily see the extent of the sun damage and pigmentation in contrast to the normal skin, and identify clinical features associated with melasma.
However, there are some other skin conditions showing ymptoms similar to the melasma, hence occasionally a small skin biopsy is done of the affected area to rule out other possible skin conditions. A biopsy involves removing a small portion of the skin to further examine it in the laboratory. The histology varies with the type of melasma, but typically following features are visible in the biopsy sample if it’s the case of melasma:
- Melanin inside the dermal melanophages
- Melanin present in the basal and suprabasal keratinocytes
- Solar elastosis and fragmentation of elastic fibers
- Highly branched (dendritic) and abundantly pigmented melanocytes
- An increase in the blood vessels.
Can melasma be prevented or treated?
Melasma may resolve on its own or may stay for years. It is not necessary to get treated for melasma. For people who dislike the skin discoloration caused by melasma certain treatments can help. Dermatologists in Faridabad at The Skin Clinique recommend many treatment options for melasma in initial cases and help create a personalized treatment plan for the patient. If the patient has had melasma for several years, it can be difficult to get noticeable results from the treatment. However, pregnant women must wait to deliver their babies, as melasma may fade away or even go off after giving birth. If melasma is tried to be treated with non-prescribed products during pregnancy it won’t be safe for the baby and the same goes with any dermatologist procedure performed when the baby is still in the mother’s womb.
To prevent melasma, a dermatologist recommends everyone diligently use a high-SPF sunscreen and not get much exposure to sunlight as well as avoid the intake of hormonal medications that could trigger melasma. Strict sun protection is the centerpiece of any melasma treatment regimen. These measures can help protect the skin against melasma flares and even the recurrence of melasma following the treatment.
Currently, there is no such cure for melasma, but the condition can be managed by several medications and procedures. These treatment options provide an incomplete response, neither of them promises to make melasma go forever. With melasma treatment, the skin discolorations may fade away or even disappear and some may remain. Not all treatments would work for every patient, frequent relapses can be commonly seen. Many people with melasma have reported the return of their skin condition when spending time outdoors without sun protection. In fact, most people develop melasma in the summer months and their dark spots/patches fade during winter.
Treatment options for melasma:
1. Skin lightening medications: These include medications such as hydro-qui-none, kojic acid, azelaic acid, ruci-nol, niac-inam-ide acid which can be applied directly on the discolored or uneven dark patches. These work by reducing melanin production, skin inflammation, and even excess blood vessels underneath the skin that contribute to melasma. Healthcare providers often recommend hydro-qui-none-based cream, gel, or lotion as the first line of treatment for melasma. Other than hydroquinone, topical corticosteroids or tre-tin-oin can also be used to lighten the skin patches for a few months and thereafter occasionally. There are also combined creams available that have all three: hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and tre-tin-oin.
2. Medical procedures: If the skin is not responding to the topical medications, a dermatologist may recommend some cosmetic procedures such as:
- Chemical peel- It involves the use of acidic solutions to exfoliate the skin. Different peels are depending upon the strength of the acid used and their skin penetrating ability: light, medium, and deep. For melasma patients, commonly used peels include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) that help get rid of the superficial skin layer containing excess melanin pigment. The results of this treatment are temporary, as it does not work on the reduction of pigment production in regenerating deeper layers.
- Light therapy/laser treatment- This option can be considered by people seeking long-term and quick results. Several types of lasers can be used to treat melasma such as PicoSure, Fractional, and Q-Switched lasers. PicoSure turns energy into pressure to treat melasma. The Fractionated laser treatment in Faridabad focuses pulses of light on the skin to create microscopic holes and pass on the heat generated to deeper skin layers to stimulate the growth of new, healthy skin cells. The Q-Switched lasers focus light on the excess melanin pigment in the skin to thermally break melanin into smaller pigments which are later removed from thebody via the lymphatic system. The lasers also work to stimulate new collagen production, and the skin’s structural protein, hereby making the skin smoother, clearer, firmer, and refreshing.
Visit now at The Skin Clinique, skin pigmentation clinic in Faridabad to get an effective treatment for melasma.