There is a very common skin condition called melasma that causes brown or grayish patches on the skin. It is most commonly seen on the cheeks, forehead, chin, upper, lip, and the bridge of the nose. However, it can also be found on the forearms or the neck in some people.
Whom Does Melasma Effect?
Melasma mainly affects women. In fact, only about 10% of the people with the condition are men. It is more prominent in those with darker skin tones. People of Hispanic, North African, Asian, Indian, and Middle Eastern descent are more likely to notice these skin changes. However, family history also plays a role.
Causes of Melasma
The medical community is not exactly certain what causes Melasma, but there are a few things that seem to trigger the condition.
- Exposure to UV light seems to aggravate the condition. A sunburn can cause the splotches of color to reappear after it has faded, and the condition often worsens in the summer.
- Hormones can cause an appearance of the condition, especially in women who are pregnant. Hormone replacement therapies or birth control medications can also cause melasma to show up on the skin.
- Certain skin care products have been known to be a trigger for some people. Any product that causes irritation on the skin can make the color changes worsen.
Treatments
Once a dermatologist has diagnosed the condition, there are several treatment methods that may be prescribed. The diagnosis may require a biopsy to confirm. While melasma can fade on its own when a trigger is removed such as when a birth control medication is discontinued, but there are treatments for when it doesn’t fade or the trigger cannot be removed.
There are several topical treatment options like hydroquinone and corticosteroids. However, there a safe and effective that requires fewer treatments, and that is a Pico laser treatment. A Pico laster treatment isn’t painful, and it doesn’t cause any side effects in most people. It is a good option for many people because only a few treatments are needed, and it doesn’t injure the surrounding skin.
If you think you may have melasma, schedule a consultation with DSC Laser and Skin Care Center. Dr. Shum can determine your condition, and he can discuss the best form of treatment for your needs whether it is a Pico laser treatment or something topical.
