What is Melasma?
Melasma is a common skin problem. It causes brown to gray-brown patches on the face. Most people get it on their cheeks, bridge of their nose, forehead, chin, and above their upper lip. It also can appear on other parts of the body that get lots of sun, such as the forearms and neck.
Melasma itself is not a disease.
Melasma is not related to any medical disorder and by itself is a harmless skin condition despite the cosmetic concern associated with its appearance on the face. It is a physiologic manifestation of an underlying stimulus. Patients must understand that pigmentation can return after treatment, owing to the same stimulus, or any other new stimulus, at any point in their lives.
What causes Melasma? Why did it happen to me?
Sun exposure triggers melasma.
Women are far more likely than men to get melasma. It is so common during pregnancy that some call it the mask of pregnancy/Chloasma. Hormones, especially estrogen, seems to trigger melasma. Certain medications like tetracycline and anti-malarial drugs (derived from quinine), birth control pills and hormone replacement medicine also can trigger melasma.
People with darker skin, such as those of Latin/Hispanic, North African, African-American, Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean descent are more likely to get melasma.
People who have a blood relative who had melasma are also much more likely to get melasma.
Skin care products that irritate the skin may worsen melasma. Avoid treatments that erode the skin's protective outer layer. If you must get such treatments, use a high SPF sunscreen
What is the Treatment for Melasma?
Each patient is unique. The doctor must tailor the treatment to individual needs. Treatment options are many.
Dr Feroze recommends options 1,2 and 3 in the list below. These treatment modalities have given consistent results in our clinics. All other options have given us equivocal results.
1. Sunscreen and Sun Avoidance.
2. Dr Feroze's Clear Skin System Treatment (Delivered Throughout Pakistan)
3. Fractional Laser
4. Near Infrared Lasers in some cases, for rapid relief.
5. Chemical Peels
6. Microdermabrasion
7. Dermabrasion
8. Obagi Blue Peel
9. Mesotherapy
10. Triple Therapy
11. Cosmetic Camouflage
Under a dermatologist’s care, many people with melasma have a good outcome. It is important to note that there is no procedure that will “cure” melasma. Long-term remission can be achieved. Melasma can be stubborn, though. It may take a few months of treatment to see improvement. It is important to follow your dermatologist’s advice. This ensures that you get the most benefit from treatment. It also can help avoid skin irritation and other side effects.
After your melasma clears, you may need to keep treating your skin. Your dermatologist may call this maintenance therapy. Maintenance therapy can prevent melasma from returning.
You can help prevent your melasma from returning by wearing sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat every day. Avoid perfumed cosmetics.
You should wear sun glasses to delay the onset of cataracts.
Which Sunscreen should I use?
Be sure to use sunscreen that offers these 3 things:
- Broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays). These rays penetrate clouds and car windows.
- A sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more.
- Zinc oxide or Titanium dioxide to physically block the sun’s rays.
How should I use the Sunscreen?
One of the most common treatments for melasma is sun protection. This means wearing sunscreen every day and reapplying the sunscreen every 2 hours. Dermatologists also recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat when you are outside. Sunscreen alone may not give you the protection you need.
