MELASMA

Melasma is the name given to a common skin condition which causes brown to grey-brown pigmentation on the face. Melasma is sometimes also referred as Chloasma.

Melasma pigmentation is usually symmetrical, the most common sites being forehead, cheeks, bridge of nose, chin and upper lip.It can sometimes also appear on other sun exposed parts such as neck and arms.

What causes Melasma?

Melasma is more common in females compared to males.

Melasma can have a genetic predisposition with more than one family member being affected.

Melasma is more common in people with darker skin. People from Latin/Hispanic, North African, African-American, Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean descent are more likely to get melasma.

Melasma is caused by overproduction of melanin by the pigment cell which is then deposited under the skin (dermis)

Exact cause of melasma is unknow. Multiple factors seems to be a trigger for melsama.

Sun Exposure

Sun exposure is the most common avoidable trigger for melasma. UV rays from the sun trigger the pigment cells to produce more melanin. That is the reason why melasma is worse in summers and can come back after exposure to sun.

Pregnancy

Hormone changes in pregnancy can be a common trigger of melasma.

Hormone changes

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Hypothyroidism

How to treat Melasma?

Melasma can sometime fade itself once the triggering factor is removed. Most common scenario is resolution of melasma in pregnant females after delivery and in females on Pill after stopping the pill.

Sometimes Melasma can be very slow to respond to treatment, especially if it has been present for a long time..

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