Home Melasma Preventing and Treating Melasma
Preventing and Treating Melasma
Skin Care - Melasma
Only adult women are affected by a skin condition called melasma. Pregnant women are more prone to developing this condition, which is why it is often called the mask of pregnancy. It is not a very serious health condition. However, many women become frustrated and embarrassed when they have melasma.

Melasma can often be found on the face. It is most commonly seen on the nose, upper lip, forehead, and cheeks. Usually, it affects both left and right side of the face. Women with darker skins, such as the Hispanic or Indian people, are more susceptible to developing melasma.

It is widely believed that hormonal fluctuations in women are responsible for the development of melasma. Thus, pregnant women are more likely to develop this condition. However, other triggers that have an effect on a woman’s hormone levels include the use of birth control pills. This is also thought to be a leading cause.

Experts are also looking to heredity as a possible explanation for this condition. If a member of the family had melasma before, there is a greater likelihood that you will also develop it. Light sensitivity can cause flare-ups of melasma, including exposure to the sun’s UV rays and even a light bulb. Those who have darker skins are more likely to develop melasma because they have greater amounts of melanocytes on their faces. Melanocytes are skin cells that produce pigments. These cells are influenced by both hormone levels and UV rays, thus causing the condition.

Because this condition is rooted on genetics and hormone activity, it may not be possible to prevent melasma. However, there are ways by which you can prevent it from getting worse.

Because melanocytes are tagged as the ones causing melasma, it helps if these are not stimulated far more than they should be. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can stimulate these melanocytes unnecessarily. Therefore, it is important to limit your exposure to the sun so that you can manage this condition better. When you do go out, always wear sunscreen and wear hats with wide brims to keep sun exposure minimal. While this may not guarantee 100% prevention against melasma, it helps to control the factors that cause the condition. Once you have developed melasma, you can treat it with a variety of methods.

Melasma treatment is most effective if it is implemented immediately. Usually, bleaching agents are used to make the skin lighter, thus eliminating the noticeable dark patches. Hydroquinone is also commonly used for treatment, in conjunction with other treatments for complete elimination of the condition. Some doctors would prescribe topical steroids. In extreme cases, laser surgery is also recommended.