MELASMA - KNOW THE CAUSES AND EFFECTIVE WAYS FOR PREVENTION

                        Published on June 04, 2022 | By Dharani Senthilkumar

INTRODUCTION

Melasma is a common condition in the skin that appears as dark-colored patches on the skin. The patches differentiate from a person’s natural skin tone, making them more conscious and socially awkward. Though this condition is harmless, due to an individual’s mindset, it may require the attention of a dermatologist.

MASK OF PREGNANCY

The condition is predominantly found in women more than men. The reason being women face a lot of hormone surges throughout their life. Right from pregnancy, contraceptives, thyroid, PCOD, and similar conditions, there is a rapid flux in the hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone.

During pregnancy, there is a fluctuation in estrogen and progesterone levels. Owing to this imbalance, pregnant women get large patches of discolored skin on their face, forehead, and stomach.

CAUSES OF MELASMA

Melasma is a category of hyperpigmentation and is highly caused due to hormonal imbalance and over-exposure to the sun’s rays.

The melanin pigment, which is essential for producing color in the skin, is another important reason for melasma. When the melanin secretion is higher in some people, the cells produce a darker color than the normal skin tone.

Similarly, overexposure to sunlight, radiation, and heat from infrared lights is also a prominent reason for melasma.

WHO GETS AFFECTED?

Anyone can get affected by this skin condition, but it is prominent among women. This is due to the fluctuation in the hormones estrogen and progesterone. And since women undergo a lot of hormonal imbalance throughout their life like puberty, contraceptive intake, thyroid, PCOD, pregnancy, and menopause phases, they are highly affected by melasma.

WHERE DOES MELASMA APPEAR?

The skin discoloration patches can often be found on the cheeks, nose, forehead or upper lip, and stomach in cases of pregnant women. One good thing about these patches is that they never hurt or itch. However, they show up and cause embarrassment in social conditions.

SYMPTOMS OF MELASMA

Since this is a painless condition, it appears as discolored patches throughout the skin. Most commonly, brown patches can be seen on the areas of,

  • Nose
  • Cheeks
  • Forehead
  • Sides of the face
  • Stomach
  • Arms

PRECAUTIONS TO MELASMA

Though melasma can disappear on its own for some individuals, for others, it may stay stubborn and require special attention. But to keep the condition away from worsening, it is necessary to be aware of,

  • Makeup that irritates your skin
  • Waxing as it can cause inflammation
  • Overexposure to sunlight and lights from artificial sources like mobile phones, tanning beds, television, etc.
  • Pills that can cause hormonal imbalance
  • Skincare products that irritate your skin

CONCLUSION

VCare offers super specialized treatment options to people suffering from melasma conditions. So if you are looking for a solution for your pigmented skin, reach us at +91 9840234023 or book an online consultation right away.