Melasma is a common skin problem especially in Indian population. The condition causes dark, brown discolored patches on your skin.
It’s also called chloasma, or the “mask of pregnancy,” when it occurs in pregnant women. The condition is much more common in women than men, though men can get it too.
SYMPTOMS
Melasma causes patches of brown discoloration that are darker than your usual skin color. It typically occurs on the face and is symmetrical, with matching marks on both sides of the face. Other areas of your body that are often exposed to sun can also develop melasma.
Brownish coloured patches usually appear on the:
- cheeks
- forehead
- bridge of the nose
- Chin
Potential triggers for melasma include:
- changes in hormones during pregnancy (chloasma), hormone treatment, or while taking birth control pills
- sun exposure
- certain skin care products, if they irritate a person’s skin
Also, there may be a genetic component to melasma, as people whose close relatives have experienced melasma are more likely to develop it themselves.
TREATMENT
Melasma can be quite distressing and can affect a patient’s confidence. We at Singhania Skin Clinic use a combination of multiple modalities to treat melasma, such as –
- Topical creams
- Chemical peels
- Dermabrasion
- Q switched Nd:Yag Laser
