Disease Information

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a skin condition that causes patches to appear, typically on the face, that are darker than a person’s skin tone. It may affect between 1.5–33%Trusted Source of people depending on the population.

Melasma can be found primarily in individuals with light brown skin to darker skin tones, especially in areas with high sun exposure. Women are particularly susceptible to melasma, and it can appear as brown patches on the face, especially the cheeks, nose bridge, and forehead.

The most common areas for melasma to appear on the face include:

• the bridge of the nose
• the forehead
• the cheeks
• the upper lip
• the chin

Melasma may also appear on other areas of the body, especially those exposed to a lot of sunlight. These areas may include:

• the forearms
• the neck
• the shoulders

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, only 10% of all cases of melasma occur in males. Females and those who are pregnant are at greater risk of developing melasma. Taking certain medications can also contribute.

Symptoms of Melasma

The primary symptom of melasma is hyperpigmentation — the development of discolored patches of skin or uneven skin tone. These patches are typically flat and appear darker than an individual’s skin tone, often brown or gray in color.

While melasma does not cause any other physical symptoms, some people may find the appearance of these patches bothersome. Patches caused by melasma should not cause physical pain.

Patches most commonly appear on the face. Common locations include the upper lips, bridge of the nose, cheeks, and forehead.

Less commonly, a person may also have patches on their arms and neck.

It is important to note that melasma is not a form of skin cancer, though it may sometimes look like other skin conditions. It is best to consult a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of Melasma

It isn’t totally clear what causes melasma. Darker-skinned individuals are more at risk than those with fair skin. Estrogen and progesterone sensitivity are also associated with the condition. This means birth control pills, pregnancy, and hormone therapy can all trigger melasma. Stress and thyroid disease are also thought to be causes of melasma.

Additionally, sun exposure can cause melasma because ultraviolet rays affect the cells that control pigment (melanocytes).

How is Melasma Diagnosed?

A visual exam of the affected area is often enough to diagnose melasma. To rule out specific causes, your healthcare professional might also perform some tests.

One testing technique is a Wood’s lamp examination. This is a special kind of light that’s held up to your skin. It allows your healthcare professional to check for bacterial and fungal infections and determine how many layers of skin the melasma affects.

To check for any serious skin conditions, they might also perform a biopsy. This involves removing a small piece of the affected skin for testing.

Living with Melasma

While not all cases of melasma will clear up with treatment, there are things you can do to make sure the condition doesn’t get worse and to minimize the appearance of the discoloration. These include:

• using makeup to cover areas of discoloration
• taking prescribed medication
• wearing sunscreen every day with SPF 30
• wearing a wide-brimmed hat that shields or provides shade for your face

Wearing protective clothing is especially important if you’ll be in the sun for an extended period of time.

If you’re self-conscious about your melasma, talk with your healthcare provider about local support groups or counselors. Meeting other people with the condition or talking with someone can make you feel better.

Treatment is effective for some people. Melasma that is due to hormonal changes may also fade over time, once hormone levels return to normal.

Taking steps to limit sun exposure such as wearing a hat and sunscreen may help prevent melasma.

Treatment and Prevention of Melasma

Treatment is not always necessary for melasma.

If hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or while taking birth control pills, have caused melasma, it will fade after delivery or once a person stops taking the pills.

To prevent melasma, a dermatologist will likely recommend a high-SPF sunscreen.

For other people, melasma can last for years or even for the rest of their lives. If melasma does not fade over time, a person can seek treatment to help remove or fade the patches.

However, not all treatments work for everyone, and melasma may come back even after successful treatment.

Reference:

https://www.healthline.com/health/melasma

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323715