Melasma: Causes and risks

What is melasma and what does it look like?

Melasma is a common Fitzpatrick skin condition that goes by many different names, including oily skin, exessive skin melanin, and chloasma. It is characterized by large, dark patches on the skin that can be difficult to treat. Melasma can be distribution and severity and may vary from person to person.

Distribution and severity

Melasma can be found on the face, neck, chest, back, and hands. It is more common in women than men, and is most often seen in pregnant women and people with dark skin. Melasma is usually mild and doesn't require treatment, but it can be difficult to get rid of.

The cause of melasma is unknown, but there are several risk factors that may increase your chances of developing the condition. These include:

• Pregnancy
• Tanning
• UV exposure
• Heredity
• Risk factors

Melasma in pregnancy

Melasma is more common in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women. This may be due to the increased levels of hormones in pregnancy, which can trigger the overproduction of melanin.

A pregnancy mask is a type of melasma that usually goes away after pregnancy. It looks like a dark patch on the forehead, cheeks, or upper lip.

Melasma treatments

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for melasma, as the condition can vary significantly from person to person. Treatment options include:

• Topical creams and gels
• Hydroquinone is a common ingredient in melasma treatments. It can be used alone or in combination with other lightening agents.
• Chemical peels
• Laser therapy
• Microdermabrasion

These treatments can help to lighten the dark patches of skin caused by melasma. However, it is important to note that melasma can recur after treatment, so you may need to continue with your chosen treatment plan for long-term results.

If you are concerned about melasma, or any other skin condition, it is important to speak to a dermatologist or other skin care professional.

How can you prevent Melasma?

There is currently no cure for melasma, but there are several ways that you can try to prevent the condition from developing, or from getting worse. These include:

• Wearing sunscreen
• Avoiding sun exposure
• Wearing protective clothing
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Quit smoking
• Keep a healthy diet
• Avoid excessive UV exposure
• Monitor hormone levels

If you are concerned about your risk of developing melasma, or any other skin condition, it is important to speak to a dermatologist or other skin care professional.