Understanding the Causes and Treatments of Melasma
Have you seen discolored patches on your face? Melasma is a common skin ailment that you might have.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, melasma affects 90 percent of women which means women are much more likely to get the condition than men.
It's a common skin condition that can afflict people of any ethnicity or skin tone, but it's more common in persons with darker skin types including Hispanic, African American, Middle Eastern, and Asian patients. Dr. Saami will explain what melasma is and how to treat it with new medicines in this article.
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a skin condition that affects many people. It causes dark brown, light brown, and/or blue-gray areas on your skin. They can be seen as freckle-like spots or flat patches with ill-defined borders.
This skin condition is sometimes known as the "pregnancy mask" because it commonly affects pregnant women. Estrogen and progesterone levels in pregnant women are higher than in non-pregnant women, and experts believe these hormones are what cause melasma. After pregnancy, the darker color usually fades although sometimes it remains prominent.
Melasma is also known as chloasma, which is a less common name. Even though this condition is absolutely harmless, it does cause some people to feel self-conscious. It commonly appears on the forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, and upper lip. However, it can affect any region of your body that is exposed to sunlight. That's why, for the most part, people with melasma observe that their symptoms worsen during summer.
Consult your doctor if you detect any of these signs.
How Is Melasma Treated?
The first step in treating your melasma is to ensure it doesn't worsen. Avoid the sun, irritating soaps, tanning beds, LED screens, and birth control that contains hormones.
Topical treatments are the second option. Topical tyrosinase inhibitors reduce the synthesis of melanin, which stops new pigment formation. The following are some examples of tyrosinase inhibitors and other sorts of beneficial agents:
Hydrocortisone (and other topical corticosteroids): It aids in the fading of melasma's color. It can also reduce the likelihood of dermatitis produced by other agents.
Hydroquinone: This medication comes in the form of a cream or a lotion. It is typically applied directly to the melasma patches at night for two to four months.
Tranexamic acid: This can be in the form of a cream, an injection, or an oral drug.
Tretinoin: This is a prescription for a retinoid cream. While effective, it can cause dermatitis and should not be used while pregnant.
Are There Any Procedures That Can Help Melasma?
You don't have to stick to topical treatments. Chemical peels and laser treatments are two procedures that your dermatologist can use to get rid of your melasma.
Low energy laser treatment or resurfacing uses light to stimulate the formation of collagen and elastin in the skin's deeper layers. However, only low energy settings and devices should be used since light can also cause melasma to worsen.
Chemical peel: Your dermatologist will apply a chemical to your skin that may cause it to peel during this treatment. The skin that regenerates should be more even in color and smoother.
Get Laser Treatment from a Reputable Clinic
There's no denying that laser treatment can improve the appearance of your skin; the key is to make sure you're getting it for the appropriate reasons.
You may count on Dr. Saami's dermatology clinic to provide you with a personalized treatment plan with clear and attainable objectives. Dr. Saami is a well-known dermatologist in Southern California who is board-certified. Contact us today to schedule a laser skin treatment consultation.
