Melasma: Behind the “Mask”
By Kelly Drill | Published on July 30, 2009 | 0 Comments
For years, individuals affected by melasma have sought effective, permanent treatment for their condition with little success. Now, however, dermatologists are seeing excellent results with new, cutting-edge treatments like “fractional” laser treatment.
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a medical condition involving discoloration of the skin, often on the face and neck. Often referred to as chloasma or the “mask of pregnancy” when it occurs in pregnant women, melasma is characterized by irregular patches of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin (hyperpigmentation). Melasma is not associated with any other physical symptoms.
Although the exact cause of melasma is not known, the condition is assumed to be hormone-related and occurs most often in women, particularly those who are pregnant or receiving hormone therapy. Melasma appears to be hereditary as people with a family history of melasma are more likely to develop the condition. You are also more likely to develop melasma if you have dark, brownish skin. Melasma is strongly associated with sun exposure and daily use of sunscreen seems to prevent the condition from developing. There may also be a link between certain types of cosmetics and melasma.
Can It Be Treated?
When it occurs during pregnancy or in response to hormone therapy, melasma often fades in the months following childbirth or cessation of hormone replacement, although it may return with subsequent pregnancies or use of these medications. Sometimes, though, melasma does not fade on its own.
For years, individuals affected by melasma have sought effective, permanent treatment for their condition with little success. Now, however, dermatologists are seeing excellent results with new, cutting-edge treatments like “fractional” laser treatment. This type of laser treatment involves the use of a specialized device that targets the cells below the surface of the skin that are responsible for causing the discoloration while leaving the surrounding skin cells unharmed.
Other popular and effective treatments for melasma include laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels and topical skin lighteners.
What Are the Benefits of Treatment?
Effective treatment of your melasma can offer improved self-image, improved social functioning and an enhanced overall quality of life. Melasma can have a severe psychological and emotional impact on individuals who are affected. Those who suffer from melasma are very likely to experience low self-esteem, diminished confidence in social situations and the feeling that they are treated differently by others as a result of their appearance. Treating the underlying cosmetic condition can help to eliminate these negative feelings.
Treatments are available that offer relatively quick results with only minimal downtime. In most cases, particularly if you choose to begin therapy with a topical cream, you will be able to return to your normal activities immediately and will not need to miss work or social engagements as a result of your treatment. If you choose a light chemical peel, you can generally return home or to work right away. If a deep chemical peel or intensive laser resurfacing procedure is performed, you can expect a longer recovery period, but usually not more than a few weeks.
Tags: brownish skin, chemical peels, childbirth, chloasma, condition, cosmetics, dark, darker, discoloration, face, hereditary, hormone, hormone replacement, hyperpigmentation, laser skin resurfacing, mask of pregnancy, medical condition, melasma, neck, physical symptoms, pregnant women, skin, sun exposure, sunscreen, therapy, topical skin tighteners
Related Articles
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.