Melasma is a common yet often misunderstood skin condition. Dark skin patches usually characterize it and can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or skin type. If you are someone dealing with melasma skin issues, it is time to take a further step to your skin health and gather significant information on melasma. 

Based on the insights taken from Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili, the known doctor who provides Melasma treatment in Hyderabad at Neya Dermatology and Aesthetics Clinic. This article will embark on a journey to unravel the complexities of melasma, exploring its causes, symptoms and treatment options. So, let's start the journey by debunking myths related to melasma and understanding them in detail. Let's start! 

What Do You Understand By Melasma?

If you have melasma, you may probably experience light brown, dark brown, or blue-grey patches on your skin. They can also appear as flare patches or freckle-like spots and can affect areas such as your face, including the upper lip, cheeks, forehead as well as forearms. In some cases, melasma is also called a "mask or pregnancy' as it majorly affects pregnant women. This condition also gets worse in the summer and gets better in winter, and it typically darkens and lightens over time. 

Where Does Melasma Most Commonly Occur?

Melasma most commonly appears on your cheeks, nose, chin, above the upper lip and the forehead. In some cases, it can affect your arms, neck and back. However, melasma is not limited to only a single part; it can affect any part of your skin that is exposed to sunlight. This is the reason why people with melasma notice their symptoms worsen during the summer months. 

Who Is At Risk of Getting Melasma? 

The people who are more prone to getting melasma are:

• It is more prevalent in women.

• Individuals with darker skin tones are at higher risk.

• A family history of melasma can increase susceptibility.

• Hormonal fluctuations, like pregnancy or birth control use, can trigger melasma.

• Sun exposure is a significant risk factor for developing melasma.

Signs of Melasma 

Melasma can leave light brown, dark brown or bluish patches or freckle-like spots on your skin. In some cases, these patches become red or inflamed. Melasma can appear in six areas or a combination of areas on your skin, such as: 

• Neck: For people ages 50 or older, melasma can appear on all sides of the neck.

• Malar: Melasma appears on your cheeks and nose.

• Brachial: The melasma appears on your shoulders and upper arms 

• Centrofacial: Melasma reflects on your forehead, cheeks, nose and upper lip. 

• Lateral Cheek Pattern: Melasma appears on both cheeks.

• Mandibular: Melasma is seen on the jawline. 

Causes of Melasma 

The main reasons behind the melasma skin condition affecting you are radiation, whether ultraviolet, visible light, infrared light and hormones. Other possible causes may include: 

• Contraceptive therapy: Melasma is common in people using contraceptive pills containing estrogen and progesterone.

• Antiseizure medications: Drugs preventing you from having seizures can be the cause of melasma.  

• Estrogen/ Diethylstilbestrol: It is an artificial form of the estrogen hormone. It is often used in prostate cancer treatment. 

• Genetics: Around 50% of people dealing with melasma reported that someone else in the family has the same issue. 

• LED Screens: There is a risk that LED lights from your television, laptop, cellphone and tablet can cause melasma. 

• Pregnancy: Increased levels of estrogen, progesterone, and melanocyte-stimulating hormones during the third trimester of pregnancy can be the result of melasma.  

• Skincare Products: Skincare products irritating your skin in general can lead to melasma or even make it worse.

• Soaps: Some scented soaps can cause or worsen melasma

• Tanning Beds: The UV light produced by tanning beds can damage your skin just as bad as the UV light from the sun, and sometimes worse. 

• Hypothyroidism: When your thyroid becomes underactive, it can lead to melasma.

• Stress: Increased stress can cause your body to produce more cortisol hormone, which can trigger melasma. 

Types of Melasma 

There are three types of melasma, and they are: 

• Epidermal: Epidermal melasma appears dark brown, has a well-defined border, and sometimes responds well to treatment. 

• Dermal: It has a light brown or bluish colour and a blurry border. It does not respond well to the treatment. 

• Mixed Melasma: Mixed melasma is the most common to affect. It has both bluish and brown patches showing a mixed pattern under black light and reflects some response to the treatment. 

Tips To Manage Melasma Skin Condition

• Sun Protection: Daily sun protection is vital. Wear sunscreen (SPF 30+), even on cloudy days. Cover up with clothing, hats, and sunglasses. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.

• Avoid Waxing: Avoid waxing the melasma-affected areas of the body, as the hair removal method can lead to skin inflammation, which can worsen melasma. 

• Diet: Include food rich in Vitamin D, such as almonds, milk, eggs, meat, milk, mushrooms, oily fish, orange juice and yoghurt. 

• Skincare Products: Apply only gentle, without scented skincare products that do not irritate your skin and worsen the discolouration. 

What Are The Medical Treatment Options For Melasma?

After studying your skin conditions, your doctor may suggest these medical treatment options, and they are: 

• Chemical Peels:  In this treatment, an acid is applied to your skin to remove the superficial hyperpigmented skin and to reveal new, healthy skin cells for a more even complexion. Acids like glycolic, mandelic, and salicylic acids are used to reduce melasma effectively. The treatment frequency for chemical peels is typically every 3-6 weeks, varying on the acid concentration and strength required to get desired results. 

• MNRF (Microneedling Radio Frequency): This treatment typically involves the use of tiny needles that create micro-punctures into your skin while delivering radiofrequency energy into these channels. This process works by heating the skin's dermis, stimulating new collagen production. Due to this, the affected areas heal, resulting in clearer, smoother, evenly toned, and firmer skin. It is considered safe and effective for all skin types with no or minimal risk of causing burns or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

• Laser Therapy: Laser options like Q-switched, picosecond, and fractional resurfacing precisely target excess melanin, providing a smoother, lighter complexion. Multiple treatment sessions, spaced weeks apart, are typically required for desired results.

Final Words 

Melasma is a common skin issue affecting millions of people worldwide. However, this skin issue does not cause any health problems but can be bothersome. Melasma can affect your social life and make you worried about your appearance. However, the good news is that you do not have to live with it anymore. 

You can consult with Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili at Neya Dermatology and Aesthetics Clinic. With over 10 years of experience and having provided successful treatments to thousands of patients, she is commonly identified as the best dermatologist in Hyderabad. To combat the melasma skin condition, book your appointment with Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili and visit Neya Dermatology and Aesthetics Clinic today!