The word ‘melasma’ originated from the Greek word ‘melas,’ meaning ‘black.’ The same Greek word is also used to term the skin pigment ‘melanin.’ this should tell you that melasma is a skin condition that is related to melanin pigment.
To be more specific, melasma occurs when the skin produces an excess of melanin, causing it to develop dark-spotted patches. These dark patches usually appear over the face, more commonly on the forehead, the upper lip, the chin, or cheeks, and less commonly on the arms or the back.
Though it cannot be cured completely, a good skincare physician in Vancouver, BC, can help you manage its symptoms to a great extent.
Signs Of Melasma:
Other signs of melasma development may include:
- Symmetrical patches of dark, brown, or greyish spots
- Large dark patches with irregular borders
- Abnormal accumulation of elastic tissue, creating skin growths like freckles
- An increase in the visibility of blood vessels on the face
Who Is More Prone To Developing Melasma?
Melasma is also known as the ‘mask of pregnancy,’ as it frequently affects pregnant women. It is said that the increased estrogen hormone production during pregnancy causes this condition, which may subside after childbirth. It is also known as ‘chloasma’ in this case.
However, it has been found that women are more prone to developing this condition than men, especially women of Hispanic or Indian descent.
What Are The Causes Of Melasma?
Though the exact causes of melasma are still unknown, Dr. Shehla Ebrahim suggests the following common triggers or health factors associated with this condition.
- If you have a blood relative with melasma, your chances of developing it are naturally high.
- Having a darker skin tone or undergoing significant hormonal changes can also increase your risk.
- UV light exposure and skin inflammation is also a leading cause.
- Certain medications, oral contraceptives, toiletries, or cosmetics have also been known to cause melasma.
What Are The Treatment Options For Melasma?
The skin discoloration caused by melasma can have a negative effect on your quality of life, both socially and professionally.
Topical medicated solutions that can be applied over the affected skin to suppress melanin production, improve dark patches, and reduce inflammation of skin cells. Ointments rich in hydroquinone, tretinoin, and corticosteroids, can help reduce the appearance of the brown patches.
The cornerstone of melasma treatment in all patients is sun protection, regardless of how much protection an individual’s skin tone naturally provides. Dr. Shehla Ebrahim always says, “Year-round [sun protection]. That is every day of the year,” when patients ask how long they should use sun protection.
For topical sunscreens, Dr. Ebrahim suggests that the SPF should be high, that is over 30. And for many of her patients, she recommends at least a 60. The sunscreen should be broad-spectrum, that is covering both UVB and UVA. Also, look for sunscreens that block visible light because it may play a role in the formation of melasma as well. Agents that can block visible light include iron oxides.
Other treatment approaches include:
- Hydroquinone —still the gold standard, often used in conjunction with tretinoin or a topical steroid
- Tranexamic acid —can be used topically or orally, but should be prescribed by a physician.
- Other topical agents- including Kojic acid, arbutin, retinoids, nicotinamide, vitamin C, and glycolic acid in the form of peels
- Other systemic agents- including Polypodium leucotomos and glutathione.
Bottom line: While melasma patients with dark skin can improve their condition by being treated with energy devices such as lasers, consideration should be taken for their elevated risk of unwanted pigment changes from these approaches. Sun protection, used year-round, should still be part of their treatment regimen.
If you ever feel the need to consult someone about melasma treatment, Vancouver is home to one of the most trusted skincare physicians in Canada, Dr. Shehla Ebrahim. Her vast knowledge and experience in dermatology help treat the most complex skin conditions with non-invasive medical treatments. You can consult her online for a quick skin check-up.
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