Melasma

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A Brief Idea Of What Melasma Is

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A common skin issue affecting the skin melasma is often known as a disorder that causes dark brown and black spots on the skin. These grey patches on your skin can occur in the shape of flat spots or like freckles.

The common areas that you will get affected with melasma include the cheeks, the upper lip area, the forehead, and the forearms. As per studies, the issue can also affect pregnant women.

Research also shows that this issue of dark spots appearing on the skin can get worse during the summer but gets a little lighter during the winter. It seems that the issue can occur on exposure to sunlight, often getting severe.

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Melasma- How Commonly Does It Affect People?

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Often, this issue occurs more often in men who have fairer skin. Women, especially during their pregnancy, are also prone to this disorder. Those people who have a habit of using contraceptives can have issues severely along with those taking hormonal pills and supplements.

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Melasma- The Types

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In-depth research by doctors and they have shown able to find that melasma occurs in three different types. These are-

➯ Epidermal

This type of melasma has a typical dark brown color and has a defined boundary.

➯ Dermal

This will look typically deep bluish with a blurry border on the skin surface.

➯ Mixed Melasma

This is the most common issue among all three types, where a mix of blue and brown patches will occur along the surface of the skin.

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Causes

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The environment outside is the most common reason for having melasma. It occurs in people who are-

• Exposed to UV light under the sun.
• Heat

It can also occur because of the effects of hormonal changes. This is why it often occurs during pregnancy in women when their progesterone and estrogen levels increase by a lot.

There are some other causes of melasma as well that are given below-

• Use Of Anti-Seizure Pills

Studies show that those people who suffer from seizures and take medicines such as Gabapentin or Neurontin are prone to melasma.

• Use Of Birth Control Medicines

Women who take birth control medicines are more prone to melasma. Most of these medicines help increase hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

• Genetic Factors

At least one-third of cases of melasma are linked to genetic factors. In case someone in your family or your parents had the condition, you have a higher chance of having melasma too.

• Watching Television Or Phones, And Tablets

These electronic device screens radiate many harmful visible light rays along with radiation, which can increase the chances of melasma.

• Women With Higher Progesterone Or Estrogen

Those women who have high progesterone or estrogen levels are at a higher risk of this skin infection.

• Medicines That Cause Sensitivity To Light

Apart from anti-seizure medicines, some pills can make you sensitive to light. Some common examples of such medicines are-

• Anti-inflammatory pills
• Diuretics
• Retinoid
• Antipsychotic pills

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Signs Of Melasma On Different Parts Of Your Body

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Melasma can affect different parts of your body, and in each of these body parts, it will show up with different signs. Let us give you an idea-

• Brachial that affects the shoulders and upper arm area.
• Centrofacial that affects the nose, cheeks, and upper lip.
• The mandibular area, where melasma occurs along the jawline.
• Malar, where the infection occurs along the cheeks and nose.
• Neck, with most people getting affected being more than 50.

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Diagnosis

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The most common type of external test that doctors conduct to check for melasma is with the use of a Wood’s lamp that emits black light and uses it to see the changes of color on the skin surface affected with melasma.

However, this is not always 100% accurate. To ensure it is melasma, a doctor will conduct a biopsy test.

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Cure From Melasma

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To figure out and recommend the patients with a suitable type of treatment, the doctors have to get an idea of what is causing the issue in the first place.

Depending on the cause, age, existing health, and skin conditions of the patient, the doctors will tell you suitable remedies.

Even after so much medical research and advancement, we still have not been able to find a permanent and sure short-term cure for skin infections. Therefore, it is a list of simple lifestyle caution tips that you need to follow.

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What Do You Need To Avoid With Melasma?

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Here is a list of things that you have to avoid when you have melasma-

• Avoid hormonal therapies like hormone replacement therapy.
• Avoid taking medicines that supplement hormones in your body.
• Reduce intake of birth control pills.
• Avoid gazing at electronic screens for hours.
• Find suitable makeup products that are safe to use for your skin.
• Do not use any type of lotion or ointment on your skin that causes burning and irritation.
• Avoid tanning beds.
• Do not go for waxing.
• Avoid the summer heat as much as possible and go out in the sunlight directly.
• Use sunscreens and wear comfortable clothes to avoid UV and harmful sunrays.

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Medicines To Cure Melasma

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There is a range of topical medicines available in the form of ointments or gels that are commonly prescribed by doctors to cure the issue. These creams contain a form of substance known as tyrosinase inhibitors them, which reduce the production of the melatonin hormone.

Some examples of such agents and substances present in such creams include-

• Azelaic acid
• Cysteamine
• Hydrocortisone
• Hydroquinone
• Methimazole
• Tretinoin

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Food Items To Take To Avoid Melasma

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As per studies, people having melasma should increase their intake of vitamin D, which can help control melatonin presence in the skin.

Here is a list of food options for you with a good source of vitamin D-

• Milk
• Eggs
• Meat
• Mushrooms
• Oily fish such as sardean and tuna
• Orange juice
• Yogurt

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Final Thoughts

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Therefore, hopefully, you have an idea about what melasma is and how it affects your skin. Mostly, it occurs as a form of extreme hormonal change that causes too much production of melatonin.

If you have signs already, get to the doctor right now and look for a suitable remedy, and follow the given lifestyle changes in this article.