Melasma, most frequently, affects women and is usually characterized with so-called brownish or greyish blotches on skin. These blotches are normally traced on those parts of the body which get more sun exposure, like the forehead, cheeks, above upper lip, nose, and chin; and sometimes, the forearms and neck. Although melasma does not induce any physical uneasiness, it affects psychologically to a great extent. Handling the mental stress and embarrassment caused by melasma can be a tough challenge, and often results in depression and loss of self-confidence. Even it is said that melasma can fade on its own, but it is not certain and is always better to visit an expert Dermatologist in Delhi for appropriate treatment which can considerably improve your quality of life and bring back your lost self-confidence.
Factors Triggering Melasma
Although the causes of melasma are not absolutely clear; it is mostly seen that sun exposure can be a major concern and it can cause melasma since the melanocytes (cells which control pigmentation) are affected by the ultraviolet rays and they produce too much melanin resulting in dark patches. It is also noticed that the individuals with darker skins are at increased risk since their melanocytes are more active compared to the individuals with fairer skin. And also, women are seen to be far more likely to get melasma than men. A hormonal change can also trigger melasma. It is seen that a change in the level of estrogen and progesterone during hormonal therapies or pregnancy can cause melasma, which is why pregnant women often get affected by melasma, and it is also called the mask of pregnancy. Besides, stress, anxiety, certain cosmetics and thyroid disease have been assumed to be other melasma causing factors.
Treating Melasma
Eminent skin specialist in Delhi can now effectively treat melasma with the help of several advanced therapies and specific treatments which are economical and can provide superior results.
These Treatments Include
Chemical Peels: A sequence of light chemical peels can mend the problem of discoloration by unpeeling the epidermis of the affected skin cells, and letting better diffusion of other surface treatments.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): It involves a sequence of 3 to 5 IPL treatments of lesser strength and it helps a lot to treat melasma and dilated blood vessels induced by sun damage.
Microdermabrasion: It involves breaking up the affected top layer of the skin, which causes the body to replace the injured skin cells with the healthy and new ones.
Q-Switched Nd YAG Laser: It is one of the best proven methods in eradicating brown patches and the outcomes are dramatic. It works by producing a high energy light of single wavelength, which when penetrates the affected area of the skin, abolishes the diseased cells by inducing heat.
General Medications: Medicines like Hydroquinone, Tretinoin and corticosteroids are used commonly to treat melasma. Often a combination of these three, known as triple cream, is also prescribed.
Results
Although melasma is stubborn, still under the expert care of a proficient skin specialist in Delhi, you will certainly have a superior outcome. It may take a little time to perceive this improvement, but you will surely get maximum benefit from the treatment. Post treatment, dermatologists will recommend some sunscreen to apply whenever you are going out. Visit http://www.drsandeshgupta.com/ to ask an expert dermatologist more about melasma.