You must have come across women, especially pregnant women, with brown colored patches on their cheeks. They seem like freckle-like spots forming large, flat patches. This is nothing but melasma. It is so common during pregnancy, that’s it’s often called “the mask of pregnancy”.
Melasma is a common chronic skin condition, resulting in symmetrical, blotchy, brownish facial pigmentation. Usually appears on a face – cheeks, forehead, bridge of a nose, above the upper lip, chin; and on other parts of the body exposed to the sun, like neck and forearms. Rarely seen in males, it’s mostly seen in women aged 20-50 years.
Basically, the pigmentation is due to overproduction of melanin (ie the color pigment), by the pigment cells of the skin called melanocytes. That is why people who tan easily or have naturally brown skin are more prone to melasma because they have more active melanocytes compared to people with lighter skin.
Melasma also has a genetic predisposition. In addition to that, these are its triggering factors:
Now the overproduced melanin can either be taken up by keratinocytes present in the epidermis, ie the outer layer of skin; or it can be deposited in the inner layer of skin called the dermis.
Melasma is found on both sides of the face, indistinct patterns like:
Melasma does not have any symptoms. So while these dark patches are neither itchy, raised or painful, they are unbecoming to the eye and may cause embarrassment and distress to the individual, leading to self-image issues. Prevention and treatment for eclipsing the patches can primarily be focused on protection to the skin from the sun.
In presence of itching, pain, or tenderness, immediately get it consulted because hyperpigmentation could also be a symptom of potentially more serious conditions.
Being harmless, melasma doesn’t need treatment other than for cosmetic purposes. And the treatment would need to be regular to avoid recurrence on continued exposure to the sun. It is advised that you conduct the treatment under the guidance of a qualified dermatologist to avail of optimum results.
Here’s what you can do:
When patients don’t respond to hydroquinone alone, “triple cream”, containing hydroquinone, tretinoin, and a corticosteroid is a good option.
How long does it take for melasma to fade?
Does Kojic acid work for Melasma?
Melasma may occasionally clear out spontaneously, without treatment, especially in pregnant women, once they’ve delivered the baby and the hormonal imbalance has been regularised. Also, pregnant and breastfeeding women need to follow the instructions set out by the dermatologist, since the use of many of the melasma treatment creams may prove harmful to the foetus and the newborn.
In case of further doubts, consultation, or discussion of treatment options, you’re welcome to contact us at Clearskin Clinic.
Blog, Melasma|Skin Care|
July 1, 2021
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