If you want to know more about melasma or the so-called mask of pregnancy, this is the article for you. You will try to provide you with all the details that you will need to find out about this disease so that you would know how to handle it in the future.
Definition of Terms
Melasma also known as Chloasma Faciei refers to a dark discoloration within the skin. It is most common in women but can be found in other people as well. Here are some of the women who are more susceptible to this condition.
- Pregnant women
- Women undergoing hormone replacement therapy
- Women were taking oral and patch contraceptives
In addition to this, it is also prevalent among men and women of Native American descent as well as some German, Jewish and Russian heritage. It would be present on their forearms and face.
The Symptoms of Melasma
- The most prominent symptoms would be dark, irregular discoloration in the skin. It would appear as patches that would be commonly found in the upper cheeks or lips and forehead of the patient.
- In addition to this, it has a gradual state of development. This means that it tends to grow worse over time. Most patients are discovered to have a genetic predisposition to this condition.
Major Causes
Aside from the upper mentioned genetic predisposition, there are other causes that you need to take note of with regards this disease. These are as follows.
- An increased production of estrogen and progesterone would stimulate the melanocytes in the skin which could therefore cause the condition itself.
- Furthermore, women who live in regions where they would be an increased exposure to the sun are highly susceptible.
- In addition to this, it has been found out that the incidence of melasma would increase if you have thyroid problems.
The Diagnosis
Doctors would use a Wood Lamp to see if a patient has melasma. The excess melanin in the epidermis can be detected under these lights.
Effective Methods of Treatment of Melasma
Usually, the discoloration will eventually disappear over time after giving birth or after you have stopped any oral contraceptives hormonal replacement therapy that you have been encountering.
However, you can also undergo some treatments to hasten the disappearance of these patches as follows.
- You can use some topical creams for the affected area.
- You can also apply Tretinoin. It is an acid that increases the skin cell turnover. However, you cannot use this while pregnant.
- Aside from this, you can also undergo laser treatment for dermal melasma. This will be determined by the Wood’s lamp.
- You can also undergo Microdermabrasion.
- Aside from this, you can use cosmetics to hide the effects of melasma.
In all of these treatments, it is important to remember that you have to avoid sunlight while undergoing treatment to prevent it from getting worse. If you can do this, you will be able to successfully treat the disease with your doctor. You will also be able to prevent it from happening again in the future.
