Melasma: what it is, causes, symptoms and diagnosis

Melasma are dark spots that appear on the skin, usually on the face, but can also appear on the arms and chest.

Melasma is the appearance of spots on the skin, usually on the face. But they can also appear on the arms and lap. These are dark spots, which usually appear in women between the ages of 20 and 50. They can also affect men. When they appear during pregnancy, they are called Chloasma Gravidarum.

There are three common types of facial melasma: malar (affecting the cheekbones), centrofacial (forehead, cheeks, above the lips, nose and chin) and mandibular. Furthermore, they can be classified into:

– Epidermal melasma: occurs in the most superficial layer of the skin, when there is an increased deposit of pigment through the epidermis.

– Dermal melasma: is characterized by the deposit of melanin around superficial and deep vessels.

– Mixed: this is when there is excess pigmentation in the epidermis in certain areas and in the dermis in other regions.

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What causes melasma?

The causes are diverse. The main one being exposure to the Sun. Others can be the use of contraceptives and various medications, hormonal factors, pregnancy, genetic predisposition and diseases such as liver disease.

Approximately 90% of cases occur in women with darker skin tone. And, most people with melasma have a history of daily or intermittent sun exposure. Heat is also believed to be an underlying factor.

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Among the causes are:

– Exposure to the Sun: ultraviolet rays stimulate melanocytes, which produce skin color pigments. A little sun exposure can cause melasma to appear. Even in people who have already been treated before. Especially in the summer.

– Hormonal changes: as during pregnancy. In addition to the use of contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy. Endocrinopathies (such as thyroid disease) can also stimulate the appearance of melasma.

– Cosmetics: if not used correctly, they can trigger skin irritation, worsening episodes of melasma.

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Melasma symptoms

The most common are the darkening of areas of the skin exposed to the sun, especially on the face. The spots may also appear on the arms and chest. The colors of the spots depend on the color of the skin. The shape of the spots is irregular. However, it is generally symmetrical, being the same on both sides of the face.

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Diagnosis

Only a dermatologist can make an accurate diagnosis. With the help of a black light (Wood’s lamp). The most common diagnosis is the mixed type of melasma. It is rarely necessary to do a skin biopsy to exclude other causes of hyperpigmentation in the area.

Treatment

The treatments for melasma are diverse. The most important thing is to always protect yourself against ultraviolet rays and visible light. There are also procedures for skin whitening and the use of medications. However, only a specialist doctor can recommend medications and creams for this purpose.

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Source: My life