Melasma (Chloasma) Cure

Definition

Melasma is also called chloasma. It is a dark skin discoloration which is found on sun-exposed areas of the face. It is a brownish discoloration of the face that occurs most often in women especially in pregnant women and those who are taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications. It is most common in dark-skinned women. It is also found in male and young adult. The ratio of male and female about this medicine is 1:9.

Causes

Melasma is a very common skin disorder. Though it can affect anyone but in young women with brownish skin tones are at greatest risk.Those mischievous pregnancy hormones are toying with you again, causing hyperpigmentation on many parts of your body.

Sun exposure is also a one of the big risk factor for causing of melasma. It is particularly common in tropical climates.

Symptoms

Melasma doesn't cause any other symptoms besides skin discoloration but may be of great cosmetic concern. A uniform brown color is usually seen over the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. It is most often symmetrical (matching on both sides of the face).

When the skin is exposed to sun Melasma is thought to be the stimulation of melanocytes or pigment-producing cells by the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone to produce more melanin pigments. Women with a light brown skin type who are living in regions with intense sun exposure are particularly are have common symptoms in her.

Treatment

Melasma can be treated with certain prescription creams and some skin care products. In general, dermatologists use the same methods to treat melasma as they treat other sun-related brown discolorations and blotchiness. A combination of tretinoin cream and a bleaching cream containing hydroquinone may be useful to treat in fading some types of melasma.Some physician may already advice to use chemical peels or topical steroid creams as well.

Since studies have shown that a folate deficiency can be related to hyperpigmentation so eat foods that contain folic acid. Good choices are to use green leafy vegetables, oranges, whole-wheat bread, and whole-grain cereal.

Laser resurfacing is sometimes worthwhile but should be performed cautiously as it can aggravate pigmentation. It is very important to follow up with careful sun avoidance and it may also be necessary to use hydroquinone.

In all of these treatments the effects are gradual and a strict avoidance of sunlight is required. The use of broad-spectrum sunscreens with physical blockers, such as titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide is preferred over that with only chemical blockers. This is because UV-A, UV-B and visible lights are all capable of stimulating pigment production.