CONDITIONS
MELASMA
What is melasma?
Melasma is a skin condition that affects many people. Melasma is a common pigmentation disorder that causes brown or grey patches on the bridge of the nose, the forehead, the cheeks and the upper lip. Flat patches or freckle-like markings are standard in this condition. Melasma is known as the "pregnancy mask" because it commonly affects pregnant women. Melasma often darkens and lightens over time, with summers being worse and winters being better. Melasma is also known as chloasma, which is a less common name. Although this illness is harmless, it does cause some people to feel self-conscious.
What causes melasma?
Melasma may be caused by the malfunction of the colour-making cells in the skin, which result in them producing too much colour. People with darker skin tones are more likely to develop melasma as they have more melanocytes (melanin-producing cells) than people with lighter skin tones.
The following may potentially trigger melasma:
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy or while taking birth control pills
- Hormone treatment
- Sun exposure
What are the related symptoms?
Melasma causes patches of discolouration. These patches are darker than your normal skin colour. The main symptom of melasma is the development of discoloured or brownish coloured patches of skin. It doesn't cause any physical symptoms, but its appearance may be bothersome to some people.
What are the possible treatment options?
Dr Ndongeni may prescribe a combination of creams which may contain hydroquinone, corticosteroids and tretinoin. If topical medications don't work, Dr Ndongeni may recommend that you undergo procedures such as:
- Chemical peels
A chemical peel is a solution that is applied on your face, neck or hands to treat damaged skin and improve the appearance of scars. - Microneedling
Whereby tiny needles are rubbed over the affected areas of the skin for people with melasma, this helps with the dark spots and also helps with the penetration of topically applied treatments to the affected areas.
Treatment for melasma involves a combination of treatments, such as laser therapy, chemical peels, and topical medications, to accommodate your individual needs.
Melasma is an entirely safe skin disease. It's not itchy or painful, and it's not cancerous.
Melasma is a persistent skin disorder that cannot be cured.
You can lighten melasma with hydroquinone.
