Melasma Treatment

Melasma (also known as chloasma faciei, or the mask of pregnancy when present in pregnant women) is a tan or dark skin discoloration. Melasma is thought to be caused by sun exposure, genetic predisposition, hormone changes, and skin irritation.

Diagnosis:
Dermatologists find most cases of melasma easy to diagnose during a visual examination. However, since melasma can resemble other skin conditions, a dermatologist may take a small biopsy during the initial visit. … A doctor may also use a device called a Wood’s light to look more closely at the skin.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of melasma are dark, irregular well demarcated hyperpigmented macules to patches. These patches often develop gradually over time.
• Melasma does not cause any other symptoms beyond the cosmetic discoloration.
• Patches can vary in size from 0.5 cm to larger than 10 cm depending on the person.

Causes

This means birth control pills, pregnancy, and hormone therapy can all trigger melasma. Stress and thyroid disease are also thought to be causes of melasma. Additionally, sun exposure can cause melasma because ultraviolet rays affect the cells that control pigment.

FAQ

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