Besides creating wonderful memories during the summer, the outdoor weather during this time leaves a lot of people with unwanted skin darkening. The persistent pigmentation is known as melasma. The condition is quite common especially among women who have gone through hormonal changes. If you have already noticed dark patches on your forehead, cheeks, upper lip or the neck, then you may be a good candidate for certain melasma treatments.
What Is Melasma?
Melasma is a common skin condition with the same appearance as age spots. The condition affects all skin types, but it most prevalent among women. Men also get this condition, but not to the extent that women do. This condition does not carry any severe health consequences with it, however, the patches appearing on the exposed parts of the body may cause discomfort, distress, and embarrassment. Fortunately, there are many treatments options for this condition that can help you in reducing the appearance of it.
What Causes Melasma?
Experts are yet to pinpoint the cause of this skin pigmentation. However, some research points out that this condition could occur when the cells responsible for producing skin color (melanocytes) produce too much color resulting in hyperpigmentation. Experts believe that the severity and appearance of melasma can be aggravated by three main factor which includes genetics, exposure to the sun and hormonal fluctuations.
Any slight change in hormones can trigger this skin condition. That is why the condition is common in pregnant women or women on birth control pills. Secondly, the ultraviolet rays from the sun can also trigger the occurrence of melasma or even make it worse.
Diagnosis
A dermatologist will conduct a visual examination of the affected area to rule out specific causes of your skin pigmentation. The dermatologist may also perform some tests to rule out other skin conditions that show similar symptoms.
Treatment Options
For some people, this condition disappears on its own especially if pregnancy or birth control pills caused it. You can also get rid of the patches resulting from ultraviolet by reducing the exposure to the sunlight. Besides prevention, there are several treatment options for melasma. They include prescription topical depigmenting agents, chemical peels, and laser treatments at Gold Skin Care Center in Nashville, TN. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
