How do you describe melasma?
How do you describe melasma?
Melasma is a condition in which areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin. Doctors call this hyperpigmentation. It typically occurs on the face, particularly the forehead, cheeks and above the upper lip. The dark patches often appear on both sides of the face in a nearly identical pattern.
What is the difference between melasma and pigmentation?
Although it also is a type of condition characterized by darker patches of skin, melasma is differentiated from other forms of hyperpigmentation mainly by its cause; rather than just being sun-related, melasma is caused in part by hormonal changes within the body.
What are the melasma treatment?
Hydroquinone: This medication is a common first treatment for melasma. Tretinoin and corticosteroids: To enhance skin lightening, your dermatologist may prescribe a second medicine. Other topical (applied to the skin) medicines: Your dermatologist may prescribe azelaic acid or kojic acid to help reduce melasma.
What helps melasma on hands?
How is melasma treated? What medicines help?
- Azelaic acid: This cream, lotion or gel is applied twice a day.
- Cysteamine: A small study of 50 people found cysteamine cream to be more effective than a placebo.
- Hydrocortisone (a topical corticosteroid): Hydrocortisone helps fade the color caused by melasma.
How do you fade melasma?
Creams that combine hydroquinone with kojic acid, azelaic acid, tretinoin, corticosteroids, or glycolic acid can also treat melasma. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or laser treatment to help lighten the dark patches.
What is pathogenesis of melasma?
The pathology of melasma extends beyond melanocytes and recent literature points to interactions between keratinocytes, mast cells, gene regulation abnormalities, neovascularization, and disruption of basement membrane. This complex pathogenesis makes melasma difficult to target and likely to recur post treatment.
