Melasma is a dark skin discoloration disorder. It is also known as Chloasma. Mask of pregnancy is yet another name for it as it is seen in pregnant women many times. There occur dark, irregular, well-demarcated, hyper-pigmented patches near the upper cheeks, nose, lips, upper lip, and forehead. Often, they occur in a symmetrical manner on the face. These patches grow in size gradually over time. Melasma mars your confidence and makes you self-conscious. Darker-skinned individuals are at higher chance of getting melasma than fair-skinned individuals. Also, women have higher risk of developing melasma in comparison to men. Many times, genes are also responsible for melasma. So, if someone in your relatives (or your ancestors) had it, you also have the chances of developing it. A pregnant woman is also at higher risk.
Causes
Exposure to sun can be one of the main reasons. Melanocyte is the cell controlling the synthesis of pigment. Ultraviolet (UV) rays present in the sunlight stimulate its production. Change in hormones is also a prominent reason for melasma. As hormonal changes take place in pregnant women, they often get melasma. Birth control pills and hormone replacement medicine are also found to cause melasma.
Types of Skin Problems Related to Pigmentation
Age Sports: Sometimes, age spots cause pigmentation of the skin. These are areas of increased pigmentation. These spots vary from light brown to grey in color. These are painless and develop on skin areas that are most exposed to the sun. Areas like face, forehead and the scalp are more likely to get affected. Age spots are also known by the names like liver spots or sun spots. These can occur to any age group or sex. Exposure to ultraviolet rays of sun is the main cause for this disorder.
Hypo Pigmentation: Hypo pigmentation also results from the reduction in melanin production. Vitiligo and albinism are the two common forms of hypo pigmentation. In Vitiligo, there occur smooth and white patches on the skin. In some cases, these patches can cover full body. It is an autoimmune disorder due to the damage of pigment-producing cells. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Vitiligo. But there are several treatments available for it to lessen the effect.
Albinism: is a genetic disorder. It also results into complete loss of pigmentation in skin, hair, or eyes. Absence of an enzyme that produces melanin causes this disorder.
Precautions to Follow
- You should strive to protect from sunlight exposure. You can put wide-edge hat to shade your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Apply sunscreen when you go outside during daytime.
- Avoid taking birth control pills.
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