TYPES OF MELASMA
Melasma is classified into categories. These include dermal, epidermal, mixed and excess melanocyte types. A wood lamp examination will help highlight the same with black light emission (UVA1) to identify the melasma type.
Epidermal melasma
The epidermal melasma identification is performed by knowing the excess presence of melanin in the upper surface area of the skin.
Dermal melasma
This dermal melasma is differentiated by the melanophages presence (melanin ingesting cells) during the whole time of the dermis.
Mixed melasma
Mixed melasma is a combination of both the dermal and epidermal classes.
Excess melanocytes
The highest possibility lies with dark-skinned individuals getting affected by the same.
SYMPTOMS OF MELASMA
Melasma results in discoloured brownish spots/patches, which are noticeably darker than normal skin tone. It usually takes place on the face area, which is equally the same on both sides of the face (matches with one another).
These discoloured patches/spots start appearing on the:
- Chin area
- Forehead site
- nose bridge
- Cheeks area
Since melasma is correlated with exposure to the sun, it might also happen on the forearms and neck area. The physical changes due to melasma don’t result in any physical damage. However, if you are highly conscious about yourself, it might hurt your looks. If you notice the same kind of symptoms in yourself, contact a qualified skin specialist/dermatologist for early treatment.