What is Melasma and How To Cure and Treat
Melasma has become synonymous with facial pigmentation in India. It is very common in women and is also seen in some men. The pigmentation is difficult to treat and very frustrating for people who suffer from it. Many women stop socializing and go into a shell as they lose their confidence due to this pigmentation. Here, we look at the reasons behind melasma, what one can do to prevent it and also the possible treatment options.
Causes of Melasma
1. UV light: This pigmentation is light sensitive and UV exposure plays a significant role in causing the pigmentation.
2. Hormones: This is very common in women during periods of hormonal changes especially pregnancy. Women who are on hormone tablets like the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement after menopause are also prone to develop this pigmentation.
3. Genes: If the mother suffers from this form of pigmentation, it increases the daughters chances of pigmentation.
4. Diet: Sometimes a low level of vitamin D or zinc may predispose one to get this pigmentation.
Prevention for Melasma
One can reduce the chances of getting melasma by following these precautions:
1. Sunscreen use: As UV exposure is an important factor in causing melasma, it follows that using a sunscreen regularly may help prevent it. At the very minimum it will reduce the spread of the pigmentation and make it less dark and deep. It is advisable that all of us should use a sunscreen of spf 30 or more 15-20 minutes before stepping out. If staying outdoors for prolonged periods, then it is advisable to reapply the sunscreen every 2-3 hours. This becomes even more important during pregnancy and especially if your mother has melasma.
2. Avoid Hormone supplements: If you have a high risk of melasma or already have some facial pigmentation, this should be considered before starting the pill. Talk to your gynaecologist and look for an alternative contraceptive.
3. Diet: A diet which is rich in anti-oxidants (all your brightly coloured fruits and vegetables) helps maintain the health of your skin and reduce pigmentation.
4. Early check: If you do develop some pigmentation, it is advisable to see your doctor at the earliest. The doctor may recommend some blood tests like the test for thyroid function. If this is the problem, then early treatment may help minimise the pigmentation.
Treatment for Melasma
1. Sunscreen: This is the single most important factor in managing melasma. Using a sunscreen regularly and effectively will limit the spread of the pigmentation. For people who already have melasma, it is recommended that a sunscreen be used regularly indoors as well as most artificial sources of light also emit some UV light. I have deliberately duplicated this step to emphasis the importance of using a sunscreen.
2. Medicated creams: There are many creams which can be prescribed by the doctor. They usually are labelled as skin brightening creams or skin whitening creams. They contain one or more of hydroquinone, kojic acid, retinol, alpha hydroxyl acids, beta hydroxyl acids, tetrahydrocurcumin, mulberry extracts, licorice to name just a few. The vast number of potential ingredients is because none of them have guaranteed results. Using these creams in isolation or in combination with treatment procedures can help reduce the darkness and extent of the pigmentation. Some people may not respond to the first or even the second cream but almost everyone responds to some cream or the other. It is worthwhile to try the creams regularly. It is also important to use the creams regularly (over months to years). There may be no improvement in a couple of weeks- the secret to success is in persisting with the treatment.
3. Tablets: There are tree bark extracts like proanthocyanidin and some anti-inflammatories like tranexamic acid which when eaten can help treat the pigmentation. Supplements containing glutathione, L-cysteine and methionin are also available in plenty in the market. But glutathione is not absorbed when taken in tablet form.
4. Chemical peeling: This is my favourite treatment procedure for melasma. One usually fights melasma for long periods of time. Chemical peeling is gentle, easy on the pocket and very effective when used consistently. I use a combination of superficial and medium depth peels. I usually do not have a fixed number of sessions. I usually see the individual once every month and decide on the treatment for each month. This gives me the flexibility to choose the best possible peel for each month. Multiple sessions are needed and the treatment sessions often need to be followed with maintenance sessions.
5. Microdermabrasion: This is fairly similar to chemical peeling. Like a chemical peel, it takes away the dead layers of the skin. Unlike a chemical peel, this does not have any active ingredients which also penetrate into the skin. I usually reserve this for people who are not suitable for a chemical peel.
6. LASER: Several LASERs have been tried in melasma. This is an expensive option and the results are dubious. Many people with melasma actually have a worsening of their pigmentation with LASERs. Even if there is a slight reduction in pigmentation with LASERs, the cost of repetitive treatments makes it unaffordable for the majority. Although LASERs are very effective for freckles and pigmented spots that appear with ageing, I am yet to see benefits in people with melasma.
7. Mesotherapy: In this active ingredients which can hep reduce the pigmentation are injected into the skin. The active ingredients which are normally available as creams or tablets are directly placed where they are needed for maximum benefit. Very small needle is used for the injection and it is not painful. The discomfort can be further reduced by using a numbing gel before the injection. Multiple sessions are required for treatment.
The best way to manage melasma is by doing a combination of treatments and hitting the pigmentation from multiple sides. Everyone has to use medicated creams and sunscreens, some may additionally be given tablets and some may additionally go in for treatment procedures. Although frustrating to treat, with perseverance and regular treatment, the results can be satisfying.
By: Dr. Sirisha Singh
What a great article you covered.. :)
Hi Dr. Sirisha Singh,
I had perfect skin till last month. Now I got acne and acne marks a some light pigments on my upper cheeks which i not very much visible… Is it Melasma. How can I check if it is?? please help.
https://blushandgloss.wordpress.com/2014/11/07/welcome-to-my-world/
What an informative article! I have a request. Can you please tell us about the various treatment options and the costs involved for acne scar treatments in India? Thanks a lot!
What an amazing post……….it’s so informative.
Hi Doc! Such a thoughtful and helpful article indeed. :)
Though you have mentioned almost all possible treatments which can be done or are available for Melasma but still i would like to include one more in the list of yours from my own personal experience. According to me, one should definitely try the Melasma Treatment Cream from Melblok and should experience the miraculous results of the treatment by themselves. One of the best treatment for Melasma i must say!
Hey, Your article is superb. Your article offered us with valuable information. Keep Sharing :)
I every time used to study paragraph in news papers but now as
I am a user of net therefore from now I am using net for articles
or reviews, thanks to web.
You have made some decent points there. I looked on the
net for more info about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this website.
Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a
blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea
Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice at the same time as you amend
your website, how could i subscribe for a blog website?
The account aided me a applicable deal. I were a little bit acquainted of this your
broadcast provided bright transparent concept
Great article! This is the type of info that are supposed to be shared
around the web. Shame on the search engines for
no longer positioning this publish upper!
Come on over and visit my web site . Thanks =)
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article
writer for your weblog. You have some really good articles and I think I would be a good
asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some articles for your
blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an email if interested.
Many thanks!
I simply couldn’t leave your web site prior to suggesting that I
actually enjoyed the usual info an individual provide for your visitors?
Is gonna be again frequently to check up on new posts
Wow, that’s what I was seeking for, what a data!
present here at this webpage, thanks admin of this website.
Hmm it seems like your website ate my first comment (it was extremely
long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to
everything. Do you have any tips and hints for first-time blog writers?
I’d really appreciate it.
It’s remarkable to pay a visit this web page and reading the views of all mates regarding this piece of writing,
while I am also zealous of getting know-how.
You’re so interesting! I don’t think I’ve truly read something
like this before. So great to discover somebody with a few unique thoughts on this topic.
Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This website is one
thing that is needed on the internet, someone with some originality!
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog. It’s a very easy on the
eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you
hire out a designer to create your theme? Fantastic work!
If some one wants to be updated with most up-to-date technologies
therefore he must be pay a quick visit this website and be up to date everyday.
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after
checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Nonetheless, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often!
Hello friends, pleasant post and fastidious urging commented here,
I am really enjoying by these.
Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
The text in your content seem to be running off the screen in Ie.
I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or
something to do with internet browser compatibility
but I thought I’d post to let you know. The style and design look great though!
Hope you get the issue solved soon. Kudos
Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the images on this blog loading?
I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.
Hey there! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 4!
Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and
look forward to all your posts! Carry on the outstanding work!
After checking out a number of the blog posts on your web site, I really appreciate your technique
of blogging. I saved it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back
soon. Please check out my web site too and let me know how you feel.
Hello! Quick question that’s totally off topic.
Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when browsing from my iphone 4.
I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to fix this problem.
If you have any suggestions, please share. Appreciate it!
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your sites
really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back later.
Many thanks
Hello friends, its great paragraph concerning teachingand fully defined, keep it up all the time.
I was suggested this web site by way of my cousin. I’m no longer
sure whether or not this publish is written through him as nobody
else recognise such unique approximately my difficulty.
You’re amazing! Thanks!
Wow, your article is amazing. After reading your article today i got a lot of knowledge. I got new things to learn. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post. It is too informative and too valuable. Always keep on sharing grateful articles.
Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice whilst you amend your web site, how can i
subscribe for a weblog web site? The account aided
me a applicable deal. I were a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided vivid transparent concept
Excellent article. I will be facing many of these issues
as well..
I think this is one of the most significant information for me.
And i’m glad studying your article. But wanna statement on some normal issues, The
site style is great, the articles is truly great : D. Just right task,
cheers
I’ll immediately seize your rss as I can not to find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service.
Do you’ve any? Kindly allow me recognize so that I may subscribe.
Thanks.
Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I have
truly enjoyed browsing your weblog posts. In any
case I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write
once more very soon!
Hi there mates, how is all, and what you desire to say about this
paragraph, in my view its genuinely amazing designed for me.
I visit every day some sites and information sites to read articles or reviews, except this weblog gives quality
based content.
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is needed to
get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours
would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100% positive.
Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up.
Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say
wonderful blog!
Aw, this was a really nice post. Taking a
few minutes and actual effort to produce a really good article…
but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.
I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by
him as nobody else know such detailed about my problem. You are amazing!
Thanks!
Hello there! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if
you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form?
I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m
having difficulty finding one? Thanks a lot!
You’ve made some really good points there. I checked on the internet for more info about the issue and found
most people will go along with your views on this site.
I blog frequently and I truly appreciate your content. This great article has really peaked my interest.
I’m going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information about once a week.
I opted in for your Feed as well.
Everything is very open with a very clear description of the issues.
It was definitely informative. Your website is
very helpful. Thank you for sharing!
Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this website.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very hard to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and appearance.
I must say that you’ve done a fantastic job with this. Also, the blog loads
super fast for me on Firefox. Excellent Blog!
Amazing! Its in fact awesome paragraph, I have got much clear idea on the topic of from
this piece of writing.
My partner and I stumbled over here coming from a different website
and thought I might check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you.
Look forward to looking over your web page
yet again.
The best free stuff, free samples, freebies, deals, and coupons. Updated daily, http://www.cravefreebies.com so there’s always something fresh.
New Freebies: Free stuff, Free samples every day for USA, Canada and all Worldwide. http://www.cravefreebies.com FREE Ionic Fizz Magnesium Plus Samples. GET FREEBIE!
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it
up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website
to come back down the road. Many thanks
Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also
am a blogger, and I was curious about your situation; many of us have developed some nice procedures and we are looking to trade methods with others, why not
shoot me an e-mail if interested.
Like!! Great article post.Really thank you! Really Cool.
Thank you ever so for you article post.
A big thank you for your article.