Melasma is a term for a skin discoloration. Read on to find out what this skin condition is, as well as its causes and treatment.
What are Melasma symptoms?
When hormonal imbalances occur, the skin will be affected. Melasma symptoms include dark spots on the arms, legs and even the face. The darkening of skin cells is well demarcated, meaning you see the edges of the dark spot quite clearly. Some patches will also appear on the nose, lips and neck.
What causes Melasma?
When the melanocytes, which are skin cells that naturally occur in humans, are stimulated, Melasma occurs. Hormonal surges cause the stimulation of pigments. Imbalance of progesterone and estrogen in the body often leads to Melasma. Melasma may also occur if your job involves staying out and being exposed to sunlight. Melanin pigments are also stimulated by the sun.
Can Melasma be triggered?
The onset of this condition has a trigger. Wear sunblock to avoid this skin condition. Thyroid gland malfunction may also lead to this condition. Stress can further aggravate the condition, which explains why the patches seem to branch out to other places when an afflicted person is stressed.
Are there individuals who can show this skin condition more readily than others?
There are some people who may be more predisposed to this disease than others. Pregnancy predisposes a person to this skin condition. Women and some men taking hormone pills may show this skin condition. Race may also be a factor, like in Native Americans, Germans and Russians.
How can a patient treat this skin condition?
Pregnant women need not do anything to get rid of the Melasma patches. They naturally go away after the birth. If the person is using hormone pills, stopping the use of such pills can stop the condition. For those who want to treat it, topical depigmenting agents work. Hydroquinone is a good option. But if pregnant it is better not to use these.
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