Melasma Treatment: Causes, Symptoms, Types, Procedure & Prevention
Melasma is a pigmentation condition that alters the tone and appearance of the skin and may cause adult women to age prematurely. Although it is a benign skin condition, treating it can frequently be difficult because to its chronic nature and tenacity.
To help you restore your perfect complexion, however, skilled dermatologists at Genesis specialise in treating various pigmentary issues, including melasma, utilising cutting-edge USFDA-approved techniques. Continue reading to learn more about the melasma treatment process, outcomes, cost, and other details.
What Is Melasma?
Flat, brownish or blue-gray patches of skin, particularly on the face, are a symptom of the skin condition melasma. It affects adults and is more frequently reported by women than by men. Melasma is also known as chloasma or the pregnant mask. One common risk factor is exposure to the sun. A chronic pigmentary condition called melasma waxes and wanes but frequently resists therapy.
Where Does Melasma Commonly Occur?
The face is where melasma most frequently appears, including:
- Cheeks
- Forehead
- Bridge of nose
- Chin
Rarely does it involve the exposed skin on the forearms, neck, or back in addition to the face.
What Kinds Of Melasma Are There?
Dermatologists divide melasma into many subtypes according on the intensity of the skin discoloration:
Epidermal Melasma
The melanin deposit in the epidermis, the top layer of skin, causes dark brown spots with distinct edges. The finest treatment for this form of superficial melasma is available.
Dermal Melasma
Genesis offers The deeper layer of skin, the dermis, contains a buildup of pigment that is difficult to access. It causes dispersed patches of light brown or bluish-gray colour that are difficult to treat to manifest.
Mixed Melasma
Patches of various colours in the epidermis and dermis are caused by this pigmentary issue. The volume and location of the melanin buildup determine the treatment response for this most prevalent type of melasma, which often varies.
Signs And Symptoms Of Melasma
Melasma symptoms and indicators include:
- freckle-like blemishes
- the hue brown, blue, or grey in flat spots
- definite or sporadic patches
The cheekbones, forehead, nose, chin, and jawline are the typical areas where the patches appear symmetrically
What Causes Melasma?
The two main causes of melasma are as follows:
Sun/UV Exposure:
Excess melanin formation in the skin can be triggered by exposure to UV radiation from the sun or laptop/TV displays. If melasma is already present, it may worsen or lead to recurrence despite treatment.
Hormonal Imbalances
Dermatologists frequently link progesterone and oestrogen sensitivity to melasma instances. Women who are pregnant and those taking high-dose hormonal contraceptive pills both have much higher rates of melasma. Melasma is frequently brought on by or aggravated by illnesses like hypothyroidism or hormonal changes during menopause.
Other than these, the following things can cause melasma:
Family History
A person's risk is higher than average if there is a family history of melasma.
Skin Colour
Melasma is more likely to appear on those with dark complexion than on those with fairer skin.
Chemical-based Skin Care Products
Melasma can be brought on by cosmetics that contain irritating chemicals and perfumes.
How To Diagnose Melasma?
At Genesis, dermatologists use a clinical examination of the discoloured skin to identify melasma. To determine the degree of pigmentation, they may utilise the Wood's lamp method to examine the skin under blue light. In rare circumstances, they could take a biopsy there to confirm the diagnosis with a microscope.
What Is The Treatment For Melasma?
Although there are many cutting-edge treatments available, melasma still responds differently to each one. No single course of treatment can guarantee complete and long-lasting relief from melasma.
Your physician at Genesis will personalise your care and advise routine maintenance to lessen melasma and prevent recurrence. Depending on the kind, cause, and severity of your skin disease, she may advise any of the following as a stand-alone treatment or in combination:
Topical or Oral Medications
The initial line of treatment and a crucial component of post-care is frequently medication, particularly topical creams. It could contain:
Hydroquinone:
As the main therapy for melasma, your dermatologist at Genesis may advise hydroquinone with a concentration of 2-4%. She might suggest that you put it on the patches at night for three to four months. Long-term use may make pigmentation worse.
Retinoids:
In order to improve the effectiveness of melasma treatment, medical professionals frequently combine tretinoin with hydroquinone or other bleaching chemicals at night.
Bleaching Agents:
Reduced melanin synthesis can help lighten the pigmented spots. Skin lightening treatments including kojic acid, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, arbutin, and Vitamin C can do this. To reduce the likelihood of melasma returning, your doctor may add it to your post-care regimen as long-term maintenance therapy.
Tranexamic Acid
Leading dermatologists employ a more recent chemical that is quite effective for treating melasma and may be given orally, intravenously, or topically.
Hormonal Medications
Your dermatologist could examine your hormonal balance and suggest stopping any medications that could cause melasma.
Advanced Procedural Treatments
The following in-clinic procedures may be suggested by your dermatologist at Genesis to help you see results from your melasma treatment.
Chemical Peels
Application of various quantities of natural extracts, such as glycolic acid and kojic acid, to discoloured skin for carefully controlled top-layer exfoliation prevents melanin production. It works best to lessen epidermal melasma. To get noticeable results, though, you could require several chemical peel treatments spaced out over the course of a few weeks.
