Facts About Melasma

Melasma or chloasma is a discoloration of the facialcondition.
skin, often affecting women during pregnancy.Repeated superficial chemical peels (glycolic acid or
Melasma is a dark skin discoloration found onJessner solution) may be helpful. Creams containing
sun-exposed areas of the face.tretinoin, kojic acid, and azelaic acid have been shown
Chloasma is a synonymous term sometimes used toto improve the appearance of melasma. Laser
describe the occurrence of melasma duringresurfacing is sometimes worthwhile but should be
pregnancy. Chloasma usually affects women butperformed cautiously as it can aggravate pigmentation.
occasionally is seen in young men who useAvoiding the sun and using sunscreen are key to
after-shave lotions, scented soaps, and other toiletries.preventing melasma. Chemical peels,
Chloasma is especially common in women agedmicrodermabrasion, and even some lasers can be
20-40. It affects the forehead, cheeks and upper lips. Iteffective treatments. Exposure to the ultraviolet light
occurs frequently during pregnancy and is more(sunlight and tanning booths) must be minimized.
common in dark skins than in fair skins. ChloasmaSunscreens or sunblocks must be used. Azelaic acid
usually affects women but occasionally is seen in(20%), thought to decrease the activity of
young men who use after-shave lotions, scentedmelanocytes. Facial peel with alpha hydroxyacids or
soaps, and other toiletries. Melasma is much morechemical peels with glycolic acid. Cosmetic cover-ups
common in women than in men. Women are affectedcan also be used to reduce the appearance of
in 90% of cases. When men are affected, the clinicalmelasma. Successful treatment usually begins with the
and histologic picture is identical. Melasma is raretrio of sunblocks, bleaching creams and time. Minimizing
before puberty and most commonly occurs in womensun exposure can prevent darkening of existing dark
during their reproductive years. Melasma is oftenpatches, as well as the appearance of new areas.
associated with the female hormones estrogen andMelasma Treatment Tips
progesterone.1. Topical depigmenting agents, such as hydroquinone
Melasma is a darkening of the facial skin, commonly(HQ) either in over-the-counter (2%) or prescription
affecting the apples of the cheeks, the mid forehead,(4%) strength.
jawline and areas around the mouth. Melasma2. Tretinoin, an acid that increases skin cell
Suprarenale is a symptom of Addison's disease,(keratinocyte) turnover.
particularly when caused by pressure or minor injury to3. Azelaic acid (20%), thought to decrease the activity
the skin. Melasma doesn't cause any other symptomsof melanocytes.
besides skin discoloration but may be of great4. Facial peel with alpha hydroxyacids or chemical
cosmetic concern. Sun exposure is also a strong riskpeels with glycolic acid.
factor for melasma. It is particularly common in tropical5. Laser resurfacing is sometimes worthwhile but
climates. Melasma appears on the skin's surface asshould be performed cautiously as it can aggravate
dark or irregular patches. Melasma is not associatedpigmentation.
with any internal diseases or organ malfunction.6. Cosmetic cover-ups can also be used to reduce the
Genetic predisposition is also a major factor inappearance of melasma.
determining whether someone will develop melasma.7. Azelaic acid inhibits formation of pigment and is also
Bleaching creams contain hydroquinone, which inhibitseffective against acne.
formation of new pigment. Bleaching creams take 3 to8. Daily sunscreen use not only helps prevent melasma
6 months to obtain a worthwhile lightening ofbut is crucial in the prevention of skin cancer and
pigmentation. Allergic reactions to medication orwrinkles.
cosmetics, and in some cases stress, can produce the