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  • By Celestee Clinics
  • 26 Dec 2024

Melasma: Treatment, Types, Causes & Prevention

Introduction

Are your facial aesthetics robbed with dark, unevenly toned, blotchy skin? Sadly, your skin is affected by melasma. No worries, you are not the only one feeling miserable about your looks! Dermatologists have effective pigmentation and melasma removal treatment in Hyderabad.

Read on to find out about the types and causes of melasma as well as options to tackle melasma or avoid it from getting triggered or worse.

What is Melasma?

Melasma is one of the familiar skin pigmentation concerns that chiefly is seen on the face of pregnant women or those taking oral contraceptives. It features light to dark brown and/or blue-gray colored spots or patches on the skin of sun-exposed areas. Melasma on the face in pregnant women is referred to as chloasma, or the pregnancy mask.

Types of Melasma

Melasma is classified into three categories based on the depth of melanin pigment as measured by Wood's lamp.  Here are the facial pigmentation types-

  • Epidermal melasma- This type of melasma pigmentation features on the face as dark brown macules or patches with well-defined borders. It sometimes reacts positively to the treatment.
  • Dermal melasma- It features on the face as light brown or bluish-gray patches with blurry borders.
  • Mixed melasma- It is the most common type of melasma which features on the face as brown to bluish-gray spots or patches in a mixed pattern. It shows a fair treatment response.

Causes of Melasma

The root culprit of melasma is over-melanin deposition in the skin in spots or patches. Melanin is a colored pigment that contributes to the skin's natural color. It is synthesized by specialized skin cells called melanocytes. Dark-complexioned people have excess melanin in their skin while fairer people have less melanin.

When melanocytes malfunction and start producing more melanin in certain areas of the skin for some reason, this pigmentation irregularity is known as hyperpigmentation, and melasma is one of its types.

There is no fully known definite cause of melasma dark patches on the face. It is believed that melasma can affect facial skin due to many reasons. Here are some of the melasma causes or skin pigmentation triggers:

  • Excessive UV/LED light exposure
  • Genetics
  • Hormonal imbalances at the time of pregnancy or due to intake of birth control pills- a hormonal therapy
  • Intake of certain medications like oral contraceptives, tetracyclines, and anti-seizure medications
  • Olive, medium, to medium-dark toned complexion
  • Stress
  • Thyroid-related problems
  • Use of certain skin cosmetics that make skin UV-sensitive
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Melasma Treatment Options

Getting rid of melasma is challenging. A melasma treatment in Hyderabad, plan is best determined by a dermatologist after the condition’s cause or trigger is figured out. Some cases of melasma naturally resolve with good sun protection while others respond to treatment in several months or are chronic. Unfortunately, nothing could cure melasma.

The path that dermatologists take to treat melasma or help fade out the dark patches and stop further pigmentation includes:

  • Topical therapy- Use of products containing azelaic acid, cysteamine, hydroquinone, hydroco-rtisone, meth-imazole, top-ical alpha hydroxy acid, soybean extract, tret-inoin, and trane-xamic acid.
  • Chemical peeling- It involves the application of a suitable strength acid solution that peels away the pigmented skin layers and boosts collagen remodeling. It leaves the skin smoother and evenly toned.
  • Microdermabrasion- A special device is used to resurface the skin by getting rid of pigmented skin layers, thereby reducing melasma appearance.
  • Phototherapy- Intense pulsed light, non-ablative fractionated lasers, and low fluence Q switched lasers can help thermally break down melanin pigments and reduce melasma appearance. Laser for melasma is the best treatment for melasma on the face.

Prevention of Melasma

One may not escape from melasma if genetically predisposed to the condition or is pregnant. However, one can avoid its triggers like direct UV exposure, use of harsh cosmetics, high-stress levels, and intake of certain medications. There is no medication formulated for the prevention of melasma but having enough Vitamin D or a skin-friendly diet is likely to keep melasma at bay. Avoiding pigmentation on the face is possible by practicing proper sun protection tips.

Risks and Side Effects of Melasma Treatments

Side effects of pigmentation treatment, specifically melasma treatment, are usually minor and short-lived. The commonly reported side effects include erythema, swelling, stinging, pain, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, irritated skin, and peeling skin.

It is very important to speak with a dermatologist about melasma treatment risks and side effects to make an informed decision.

Take Help From Best Melasma Treatment Doctor in Hyderabad

This skin pigmentation concern mostly affects the face and other areas of the skin that are exposed to UV Rays. Commonly, it’s caused by hormonal changes, stress, genetics, and sun exposure. For some, melasma is a chronic skin condition and requires long-term management, while for others, it resolves on its own. There are various melasma treatment options for managing pigmentation effectively. Not every patient with melasma may benefit from the same treatment. Therefore, it is advised to consult with a dermatologist to receive the right, personalized care and attention for your skin.

To get effective melasma treatment from top-notch dermatologists, visit Celestee Skin, Hair, and Laser Clinic, the best clinic for melasma treatment in Hyderabad.

FAQs on Melasma Treatment

Where Does Melasma Appear on the Face?

The signs of melasma can be noticed on one or more locations of the face like the forehead, nose, cheeks, jawline, and upper lip.

What is the Best Treatment for Melasma on the Face?

There are various facial pigmentation solutions like melasma laser treatment by which one can get facial skin free of melasma spots/patches. The best treatment for melasma on the face in your case can only be determined by consulting a cosmetic dermatologist.

Can Laser Completely Remove Melasma?

The melasma-affected skin can be laser-treated to reduce the appearance of dark spots/patches. Laser treatment effectiveness for melasma can be determined by how bright and evenly toned, the treated skin appears.

Is Melasma Painful?

Not at all. Melasma is just a hyperpigmentation disorder not associated with pain, itch, or any other discomfort.

Is Melasma Permanent?

Melasma is typically not a permanent skin condition. If it occurs in pregnant women, it's temporary otherwise, it can be chronic and may be there for several years or even an entire life. Avoiding melasma triggers, having a healthy lifestyle, practicing a proper skincare routine, and choosing the right treatment can help reduce the duration of melasma.

If one is looking for the best melasma removal treatment, they can now visit Celestee Skin, Hair, and Laser Clinic. The clinic has the best doctors for melasma and pigmentation removal. Consult them for more details! 

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