What is Melasma or Chloasma or Blemishes or Pigmentation
Melasma also called blemishes or chloasma or Pigmentation is a tan or dark facial skin discoloration. It is a dark mask like discoloration that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose; it also called "the mask of pregnancy."
Although not a dangerous condition, melasma or chloasma or blemishes or Pigmentation can be distressing for the sufferer and seriously undermine self-confidence.
Although it can affect anyone, melasma or chloasma is particularly common in women, especially pregnant women and those who are taking oral contraceptives pills (ocps) or hormone replacement therapy medications and is particularly common in women between the ages of 20 and 40.
The areas most commonly affected are the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin. Different types of melasma or chloasma or blemishes or pigmentation occur depending on the location of the excess melanin, in the epidermis or the dermis.
Melasma or chloasma or blemishes or pigmentation is thought to be caused by elevated levels of estrogen, progesterone, and melanocyte stimulating hormone (a hormone that causes melanin cells to make more melanin).
Pregnancy induced melasma or chloasma or blemishes or pigmentation may or may not resolves after delivery, but may return with subsequent pregnancies or with oral contraceptive pills. But there are cases which do not improve after delivery and become even more worse.
Melasma or chloasma or blemishes or pigmentation is a harmless disorder. It is not related to cancer and it does not involve internal organs.
The condition is universal and seen in women of all cultures and ethnicities. However, it is far more common in Orientals, Hispanics, Arabs and North African women. Individuals with fair skin usually have a very lighter shade of melasma or chloasma or blemishes or pigmentation which is not always recognized.
Sometimes melasma or chloasma or blemishes or pigmentation is mistaken for freckles or age-spots, which are essentially the same thing, however, melasma or chloasma or pigmentation spots can be larger and much darker.
What Causes Melasma or Chloasma or Blemishes or Pigmentation
There are many factors that can cause melasma or chloasma or blemishes or pigmentation; whether it is a mild or severe form it is usually associated with one or a combination of the below :
Pregnancy – the pigment may or may not fade after the delivery.
Hormonal contraceptives, including oral contraceptive pills and injected progesterone.
Sun exposure is also a very strong risk factor.
Scented or deodorant soaps, toiletries and cosmetics – a phototoxic reaction.
Poor immune system.
Genetic factors.
Medications.
Nutritional deficiency.
Ovarian or thyroid disorder.
Stress.
Sometimes cause can be unidentified.
Symptoms of Melasma or Chloasma or Blemishes or Pigmentation
Melasma or chloasma or blemishes or pigmentation usually affects women; only one in twenty affected individuals are male. It generally starts between the age of 30 and 40. It is more common in people that tan well or have naturally dark skin compared with those who have fair skin.
Melasma or chloasma or blemishes or pigmentation affects the forehead, cheeks and upper lips resulting in macules (freckle like spots) and larger patches. Occasionally it spreads to involve the sides of the neck, and a similar condition may affect the shoulders and upper arms. Melasma or chloasma is sometimes separated into epidermal (skin surface), dermal (deeper), mixed and inapparent types.
Types of Melasma or Chloasma or Blemishes or Pigmentation
There are four types of melasma of chloasma or blemishes or pigmentation based on Wood's (ultraviolet) light examination which shows the depth of the pigmentation :
Epidermal : The most common type shows enhancement of the color contrast between normal and affected skin.
Dermal : Does not show enhancement of the color contrast between normal and affected skin.
Mixed Epidermal and Dermal : Shows enhancement of the color contrast between some of the affected skin but not others.
Inapparent : Seen in very dark-skinned people, affected lesions are not seen under Wood's light.
How is Melasma or Chloasam or Blemishes or Pigmentation Diagnosed
Melasma or chloasma or blemishes or pigmentation is usually diagnosed visually or with assistance of a Wood's lamp (340 - 400 nm wavelengths). Under Wood's lamp, excess melanin in the epidermis can be distinguished from that of the dermis.
How to Prevent Melasma or Chloasam or Blemishes or Pigmentation
Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, with a broad spectrum that protects the skin from both UVA rays ('A' for aging) and UVB rays ('B' for burn).
Discontinue any make-ups, facial cleansers or creams that irritate the skin.
Avoid oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) as far as possible.
Avoid stress. Exercise and meditation helps fighting stress.
Have balanced diet to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
Home Remedies for Melasma or Chloasma or Blemishes or Pigmentation
Home remedies to avoid / cure melasma or chloasma or blemishes or pigmentation are :
Cosmetics are a way to hide the brown areas.
Before and after showering apply coconut or neem oil on your body.
The use of body lotions have helped to fade these areas as well in some women.
Add 20 drops lavender and chamomile essential oil for a cool and soothing bath.
Apply / rub lemon on your face and wash your face after 15 minutes.
Add 20 drops of urtica urens tincture in four ounces of water and bathe the bruised area.
Apply cold aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, or plantain to help heal sunburn.
Apply thin paste of sandalwood on the affected and wash your face with cold water 15 minutes.
Apply olive oil at the affected area.