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What is melasma? -

Melasma is a dark, mask-like mark (often called the mask of pregnancy) that is common, painless, and usually goes away on its own after a few months. 

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Melasma vs. hyperpigmentation -

Melanin is a substance in your body that produces hair, eye, and skin pigmentation. If skin cells are unhealthy, they can make too much melanin, leading to areas on your skin that look darker than the rest. This is called hyperpigmentation. 

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Melasma vs. hyperpigmentation -

Darker patches on your face or neck can be a sign of melasma. Hyperpigmentation on your skin could be due to things like sun exposure, medical conditions, hormonal changes, adrenal disorders, genetics, or lack of vitamin D.

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Melasma causes -

Pregnant people are most at risk of melasma due to an increase in the hormones estrogen and progesterone. While anyone can be affected by melasma, women are 90% more likely to experience it than men.

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What are other triggers of melasma? -

More research is needed, but heavy exposure to sunlight, tanning beds, stress, birth control pills, and thyroid disease may trigger melasma.

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People who are more likely to get melasma -

You're more likely to get melasma if you are a woman aged 20 to 40, have a darker skin tone, or have a relative who has had melasma.

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Melasma symptoms -

Melasma causes light brown, dark brown, and bluish patches of freckle-like spots on the skin. The patches may also become red or inflamed.

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Centrofacial melasma -

Centrofacial melasma is concentrated on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and upper lip.

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Brachial melasma -

Brachial melasma is found on the shoulders and upper arms.

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Lateral cheek pattern melasma -

Lateral cheek pattern melasma is found across both cheeks. 

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Where else does it occur? -

Melasma can also show up on the jawline, nose, and neck, which is common in people over the age of 50. 

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Where else does it occur? -

While melasma is commonly found on the face, it can show up anywhere on the body that is exposed to the sun. 

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Epidermal melasma -

Epidermal melasma affects the top layer of the skin. Patches that appear on the face are dark brown in color, and the shape is relatively uniform.

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Dermal melasma -

Dermal melasma affects the deeper layer of your skin (the dermis). It is usually a bluish-gray or gray-brown color and has a blurry border. Because the melasma is deeper in the skin, it requires treatment from a dermatologist.

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Mixed melasma -

Mixed melasma is a combination of epidermal and dermal melasma and is the most common type. The patches can appear as a mixture of brown, gray, and bluish-gray colors.

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Melasma diagnosis -

A dermatologist will be able to confirm if you have melasma. They'll take a look at your skin, and to rule out any other conditions, they may order a biopsy where a small piece of your skin will be removed and examined.

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Melasma diagnosis -

Your dermatologist may ask you questions to help diagnose melasma, such as when did you first see a darker color on your skin and what soaps do you use? You may wish to take notes before your appointment to prepare.

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Seeing a dermatologist -

Seeing a dermatologist will ensure you receive the right diagnosis. Dark patches can be birthmarks, a result of light sensitivity, or overuse of skin-lightening creams.

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Melasma treatment -

Depending on the type of melasma, it may be treated with creams to stop new dark patches from forming. Hydrocortisone, azelaic acid, and methimazole are commonly prescribed topical treatments.

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Tretinoin -

Tretinoin is a topical retinol that can be used to treat melasma. However, it is not safe to use if you're pregnant, and it can cause dermatitis.

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What is dermatitis? -

Dermatitis is a skin condition that can cause irritation or swelling. It's a side effect of some melasma medications. 

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Melasma medications -

Some melasma medications may cause side effects like hair shedding, headaches, abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea. If you notice any unusual symptoms after taking medication, contact a healthcare professional immediately.

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Procedures: light therapy -

Light therapy can be an effective way to reduce or erase discoloration from the skin.

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Chemical peel -

A chemical peel is a procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers, allowing new, even-toned skin to appear.

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Microneedling -

Microneedling involves pricking the skin with thin, sterilized needles. In order to repair the small tears, the body will increase skin cell regeneration, which helps to decrease melasma.

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Platelet-rich plasma -

Platelet-rich plasma involves taking a small amount of your blood, processing it in a machine, and then injecting it into your body, helping to even the skin tone.

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Living with melasma -

Having a noticeable skin condition can put a strain on your mental health. If you find it difficult to live with melasma, contact your doctor or a therapist to help you find tools to cope.

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Melasma diet? -

More research is needed to learn how foods impact melasma. Currently, doctors don't know if certain foods can affect it.

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Vitamin D -

While more research is needed to discover if there is a link between diet and melasma, foods high in vitamin D are proven to keep your skin healthy. Try meat, eggs, milk, mushrooms, and salmon. 

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Vitamin D -

If your vitamin D levels are still low after incorporating vitamin D-rich foods into your diet, talk to your doctor about prescription or over-the-counter supplements.

Sources: (WebMD)

See also: The most common skin conditions, and their cures

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