Melasma - Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Melasma is a brown, blotchy spots on exposed skin. Melasma
usually is temporary but can be permanent. Women having dark complexions, having a history of melasma during pregnancy, or having prolonged exposure to sunlight are most susceptible to developing melasma.

Estrogen in oral contraceptives can induce melasma¾symmetric brown patches on the face, especially the cheeks, upper lip, and forehead. Similar changes are seen in pregnancy, in patients receiving hydantoin, and in the adult form of Gaucher's disease. In the latter group there is also hyperpigmentation of the distal lower extremities.

Causes of Melasma

Melasma has been considered to arise from pregnancy, oral contraceptives, endocrine dysfunction, genetic factors, medications, nutritional deficiency, hepatic dysfunction, and other factors. The majority of cases appear related to pregnancy or oral contraceptives.

Melasma doesn't cause any other symptoms besides skin discoloration but may be of great cosmetic concern.

Melasma is seen most frequently in young women taking birth control pills and also occurs commonly during pregnancy. It may develop in association with menopause, hormonal imbalance and ovarian disorders.

Treatment of Melasma

There are a few treatments that may help with the appearance of Melasma which include a combination of tretinoin cream and a bleaching cream that contains hydroquinone. There are several cosmetic treatments (such as bleaching creams, tretinoin cream, laser peels or topical steroids) that can fade the discoloration. However, the most important thing you can do to prevent or reduce the appearance of Melasma is to avoid sun exposure to the face using sunscreen or shade.