We Are Happy to announce that now Melasma Treatment in Phagwara is possible By Dr. Bharat Bawa at sidh clinic. Melasma or Chloasma is a common skin condition of adults in which light to dark brown or grayish pigmentation develops, mainly on the face. The name comes from melas. the Greek word for black. Although it can affect both genders and any race, it is more common in women and people with darker skin- types who live in sunny climates. Melasma usually becomes more noticeable in the summer and improves during the winter months. It is not an infection, it is not contagious and it is not due to an allergy. Also, it is not cancerous and will not change into skin colour.
Who Gets Melasma
Melasma is more common in women than in men; only 1-in-4 to 1-in-20 affected individuals are male, depending on the population studied. It generally starts between the age of 20 and 40 years, but it can begin in childhood or not until middle age.
Melasma is more common in people that tan well or have naturally brown skin (Fitzpatrick skin types 3 and 4) compared with those who have fair skin (skin types 1 and 2) or black skin (skin types 5 or 6).
What causes Melasma?
The cause of melasma is complex. The pigmentation is due to the overproduction of melanin by the pigment cells, melanocytes, which is taken up by the keratinocytes (epidermal melanosis) and deposited in the dermis (dermal melanosis, melanophages). There is a genetic predisposition to melasma, with at least one-third of patients reporting other family members to be affected. In most people, melasma is a chronic disorder.
Known triggers for Melasma include:
• Sun exposure and sun damage — this is the most important avoidable risk factor. Visible light and ultraviolet rays contribute to abnormal pigmentation
• Pregnancy — in affected women, the pigment often fades a few months after delivery
• Hormone treatments — oral contraceptive pills containing estrogen and progesterone, hormone replacement, intrauterine devices and implants are a factor in about a quarter of affected women
• Certain medications (including new targeted therapies for cancer), scented or deodorant soaps, toiletries and cosmetics may cause a phototoxic reaction that triggers melasma, which may then persist long term
• Hypothyroidism
Types Of Melasma
Melasma is sometimes separated into epidermal, dermal, and mixed types. A Wood lamp that emits black light (UVA1) may be used to identify the depth of the pigment.
- Epidermal melasma
• Well-defined border
• Dark brown colour
• Appears more obvious under black light
• Responds well to treatment - Dermal melasma
• Ill-defined border
• Light brown or bluish
• Unchanged under black light
• Responds poorly to treatment - Mixed melasma
• The most common type
• Combination of bluish, light and dark brown patches
• A mixed pattern is seen under black light
• Partial improvement with skin treatment
Symptoms- Melasma is simply darker than normal skin affecting cheeks. forehead, upper lip, nose and chin usually in a symmetrical manner it may be limited to the cheeks or just occur overlying the jaw. The neck and rarely the forearms can also be affected. Areas of melasma are not raised. The affected skin is itchy or sore.