Skin Disorder : Melasma

This is one of many articles I wrote recently.

What is Melasma?

Melasma, also known as Chloasma, is a skin disorder that can affect both men and women. It occurs exclusively in sun exposed areas. It appears as brown patches or skin discolouration most evidently in the cheeks, upper lip, forehead, chin and the side of the neck can also be involved. It can also appear on the upper arms although this is very rare. The brown patches or discolouration is the root to an increased production of melanin in the skin which can caused by individuals heredity, sun exposure or use of oral contraceptives and certain anti-epilepsy drugs.

Melasma is commonly seen in Asians, Africans, Hispanics and Arabs due to the higher levels of melanin in their skin although it is a universal condition that can be perceptible in any ethnicity. It is more apparent after being exposed in the sun and less obvious in the winter season due to lack of sun exposure. Although the condition remains the same, the discolouration changes with the seasons.

What Are The Causes Of Melasma?

Melasma is generally considered as a genetic predisposition but it can also arise from medications, nutritional deficiency, oral contraceptives, hepatic dysfunction, to name a few. One more major factor in Melasma is the sun exposure because of the ultraviolet radiation which can cause peroxidation of lipids in cellular membranes. This will lead to generation of free radicals that can arouse melanocytes in which it produces excess melanin.

Melasma can also be caused by pregnancy as hormonal influences play a role to some individuals. However, this is not the major factor cause of Melasma because it occurs on women who are not pregnant as well.

What Are The Treatments for Melasma?

Melasma can be a complex skin disorder to treat due to the frequent development of pigmentation but it is not untreatable. Lightening cream with ingredients such as hydroquinone inhibits melanocytes from producing melanin. Another treatment for Melasma is chemical peel treatment with high concentrations of salicylic and pyruvic acid causes the detachment and the renewal of the epidermis. Thermal energy is also known to be a treatment for Melasma, however, sunscreen is the most vital product to be used for treatment as without the daily use of opaque sunscreen, the treatment will fail.