What is the best definition of melasma?
Melasma is a skin condition characterized by brown or blue-gray patches or freckle-like spots. It’s often called the “mask of pregnancy.” Melasma happens because of overproduction of the cells that make the color of your skin. It is common, harmless and some treatments may help.
What is melasma mean?
Melasma is a common skin problem. The condition causes dark, 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.
What are the types of melasma?
Melasma is divided into three types: epidermal, dermal, and mixed melasma. Epidermal melasma is the most superficial with an increase in the skin pigment (melanin) in the top layer of skin (epidermis). In dermal melasma, there is increased skin pigment in the second deeper layer of the skin (the dermis).
What is the cause of melasma?
What causes melasma? Sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun stimulates the melanocytes. A change in hormones: Pregnant women often get melasma. Skin care products: If a product irritates your skin, melasma can worsen.
What is the difference between melasma and pigmentation?
Although it also is a type of condition characterized by darker patches of skin, melasma is differentiated from other forms of hyperpigmentation mainly by its cause; rather than just being sun-related, melasma is caused in part by hormonal changes within the body.
Which vitamin is good for melasma?
Conclusions: Full-face iontophoresis of vitamin C appears to be an effective short-term treatment for melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. A protocol of strict sun avoidance in combination with a mandelic/malic acid skin care regimen appears to be useful in maintaining the improvement.
What removes melasma?
Doctors often use hydroquinone as the first line of treatment for melasma. Hydroquinone is available as a lotion, cream, or gel. A person can apply the hydroquinone product directly to the patches of skin that are discolored. Hydroquinone is available over the counter, but a doctor can also prescribe stronger creams.