Overview

Are you unhappy and conscious about some black-brownish or bluish patches on your skin and wish to get rid of them? These patches or spots are called Melasma and they appear as flat patches or spots usually on the face, and also the forearms. Do not be disheartened, as it is very much possible to treat them with a variety of treatments available nowadays.

Let us, through this article, know about what melasma actually is, its causes, symptoms, how they can be caused, and different treatment options available to manage and prevent them.

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a common skin disorder characterized by dark or light brown, blackish, or bluish patches or spots on your skin. It usually occurs on the face including cheeks, chin, lips, and nose but may also be seen on the shoulders, forearms, and neck. Melasma is also commonly called the ‘mask of pregnancy’, as melasma during pregnancy is a common occurrence but it soon fades away after delivery. Melasma in men is comparatively lesser than in women and those with lighter skin have a lesser risk than those with darker skin.

How is melasma on the skin caused?

Melasma can be caused by some of these:

Hormonal changes: This is the most common cause of melasma because estrogen and progesterone play an important role in this, and alterations in these may result in the development of melasma. It is common in pregnant women and called pregnancy melasma.
Exposure to ultraviolet light or infrared light: excessive exposure to direct sunlight or too much screen time also may result in the development of melasma.
Family history: It may have hereditary causes.
Thyroid problems: Conditions where your thyroid is less active, may precipitate the development of melasma.
Some medications: Like birth control pills, medicines for fits, and other medicines which make you sensitive to light may also cause melasma.

What are the signs and symptoms of melasma?

Melasma causes patchy discoloration on your skin. It may be shown as brownish-blackish or bluish spots or patches on:

Forehead, cheeks, nose, and upper lips.
On your shoulders and upper arms.
On your jawline
Sides of the neck.

Do not ignore these signs and symptoms and always seek help from your dermatologist to find out the exact skin problem and get it treated on time for the best treatment of melasma on the face.

How is the melasma on the skin diagnosed?

Your dermatologist will do a thorough physical examination along with some tests to see if you have melasma. A biopsy may be performed to confirm it. Some tests are also performed to check the severity of melasma.

How to cure melasma permanently? What is the fastest way to cure melasma?

There are a number of ways to treat skin melasma, but the treatment will depend on its cause and so your dermatologist will assess and figure out the reason for its occurrence and accordingly plan the best melasma treatment for you:

Stop the cause: In case the melasma is found to be because of some medicine, exposure to sunlight, or due to reaction to some skin products, your dermatologist will ask you to stop that if possible.
Medications: There are certain medications that may be in the form of ointments, lotions, and creams which reduce melanin, and thus helps to reduce melasma.
Chemical peels: In this technique, some chemical substances are used, which remove the outermost skin layer(epidermis) and thus stimulate the cells of the inner skin layer to produce a new layer that is healthier, smoother, and brighter. The depth of removal of the skin layer will depend upon how deep the melasma spots are. You will need to protect yourself from direct sunlight.
Micro-needling: It is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, in which your dermatologist will apply a roller covered with very fine needles on your skin surface. This triggers the skin cells to produce healing growth factors and induces collagen production which rejuvenates and brightens your skin.

Microdermabrasion: An abrasive surface is used to remove the outer skin surface and a new, fresh, healthy skin replaces the skin with melasma.

Laser treatment for pigmentation: A high-energy beam of laser is given through a laser gun, which travels through the skin layers and breaks up the melanin particles. This helps to reduce the melasma and also stimulates collagen growth within the inner skin layer(dermis).

LED light treatment: This therapy uses lights of different wavelengths to impact cell functions, increase blood flow, decrease the production of melanin and stimulate new healthy skin cells to grow. This reduces melasma and rejuvenates your skin.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy: For this treatment, your dermatologist will extract some of your blood and process it to separate platelet-rich plasma containing growth factors. This plasma is then injected into your skin which promotes healing by healthier cell production, thus improving melasma. This is our recommended treatment as we have seen the best results with this therapy in comparison to others. Platelet-rich plasma therapy gives amazing results and is a safe and comfortable procedure and the best treatment for melasma on the face.

Your dermatologist will be the best person to advise you about the melasma therapy or a combination of therapies best suited for you depending on your skin needs and also advise things to keep in mind for prevention of its further occurrence.

Takeaway

Derma Circles, which is one of the best skin and hair clinics in Delhi NCR assures you of the highest quality treatment with amazing results. Founded by AIIMS doctors, their dedicated team of highly qualified and immensely experienced doctors and staff are committed to bring to you the most updated and latest treatment solutions personalized as per your requirements with compassion and care.

They use cutting-edge technologies and quality approved materials and equipment which further facilitates excellent clinical outcomes with minimal time and discomfort. Very strict norms for sterilization and infection control are followed for maximum safety. All this is at your disposal at reasonable costs along with various packages.

Why wait? Bring in the best in you and get that flawless, smooth, bright skin back with Derma Circles.