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Dermatology
> Melasma
Melasma, also
known as cholasma, is characterized by irregular patches of
dark skin on the face. These tan or brown patches usually
occur symmetrically on the cheeks, upper lip, nose, or
forehead. The symmetry of melasma distinguishes it from
other conditions that cause darkening of the skin.
Melasma is a common condition and is found more often in
women. Those with darker skin types (including Indians,
Hispanics, Middle-Easterners, and North Africans) are more
prone to melasma than those with lighter complexions.
Within a patch of melasma, pigment producing cells (called
melanocytes) are increased in number and each melanocyte
produces more pigment (called melanin). Increased melanin in
the skin leads to the tan or brown coloration.
The cause of melasma is not fully understood. However,
genetics, hormonal changes, and sun exposure are known to
play important roles. For example, melasma often occurs with
pregnancy, hence the term “mask of pregnancy.” Oral
contraceptives can also trigger melasma.
Although there are some diseases that cause similar changes
in the skin, melasma itself has no association with internal
disease.
Frequently
Asked Questions
What
causes melasma?
Melasma is a common skin disorder. Though it can affect
anyone, women with darker skin tones (especially
Hispanic, Asian, Indian, and Middle Eastern) are at
greatest risk. Melasma can be associated with the
female hormones estrogen and progesterone. It is
especially common in pregnant women, women who are
taking oral contraceptives, and women taking hormone
replacement therapy during menopause. The use of
cosmetics is associated with melasma but the
relationship between the two is not understood. Sun
exposure is strongly associated with melasma.
What are the symptoms of melasma?
Melasma has no associated symptoms.
What does melasma look like?
Melasma causes irregular tan, brown, or even blue/black
patches on parts of the face including cheeks,
forehead, nose, chin, jaw line, and upper lip. It is
most often symmetrical (matching on both sides of the
face).
How is the diagnosis of melasma made?
Your physician can usually diagnose melasma based upon
the appearance of your skin. Your physician may want to
examine your skin with a Wood’s lamp to help guide
treatment.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Intense
Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
IPL is one of the newer forms of facial rejuvenation. Unlike
lasers, which use intense, focused light, IPL is intense
broadband light. Although IPL delivers energy to both the
superficial and deep layers of the skin, the epidermis is
spared from damage. Thus, there is virtually no recovery
time. In the studies that have been performed so far, IPL
can smooth the skin and fade age spots, freckles, melasma,
and even broken blood vessels. Improvements usually last for
about a year with good sun protection.
IPL is safer than laser therapy because IPL does not damage
the epidermis. There may be some pain during the procedure
but no recovery time. Unlike laser therapy, however, you may
need multiple treatments (average is 4-6, at three weeks
intervals) to get the full benefit. The cost is variable,
but is usually more expensive than peels and less expensive
than lasers. The risks and benefits
Skin Care
The Obagi Nu-Derm
System, a physician-prescribed skin care system, accelerates
the cellular turnover. This System penetrates below the
skin's surface to correct damage in all layers of the skin
(the stratum corneum, the epidermis and the dermis). It
corrects functions of the skin at the cellular level, to
Transform skin's cellular function to help it look and act
younger and healthier. The System triggers a Therapeutic
Cascade™ that:
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Pushes fresher
cells to the surface faster, for smoother skin, reduced
wrinkles and increased tolerance
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Corrects current
pigmentation (freckles and age spots) and prevents the
appearance of new pigmentation
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Promotes more
uniform cells at the deepest layer for better skin
structure and balanced, even skin tone
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Increases
collagen and elastin for firmer, more resilient skin
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Increases
nutrient's natural hydration and circulation for
supple, healthy-looking skin
Ned Snyder IV, MD
/ Plastic Surgery
Renee
Snyder, MD / Dermatology
901 West
38th Street, Suite 410
Austin,
Texas 78705
Phone:
512-533-9900
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