Melasma is a chronic skin pigmentation disorder. It is responsible for causing dark gray or brown patches on various body parts like the upper lip and face. It is also known as 'chloasma.' The word 'melasma' comes from the 'melas,' which means 'black.' Skin color is based on the amount of melanin present in the cells. When the skin produces excessive amounts of melanin, it causes the development of Melasma. Whether internal or external, factors may stimulate increased production of melanin and cause the development of the dark patches on the skin to trigger Melasma. Commonly, Melasma appears on the face, including the bridge of the nose, forehead, cheeks, and upper lips. Melasma can also occur in other exposed areas of the body. These areas may include forearms, neck, and shoulders. Skin pigmentation issues can be addressed with the help of treatment provided at Charma Clinic, one of the best skin clinics in India.
The development of discolored patches of skin is the primary symptom of Melasma. Melasma may appear as skin discoloration which resembles freckles and larger dark patches with irregular borders. The primary symptom is the symmetrical patches of dark brown or grayish skin. Other medical symptoms include - an increase in the number and enlargement of melanin cells termed melanocytes, abnormal accumulation of elastic tissue, and an increase in blood vessels in the face.
There are three types.
I. Internal Factors
Genetics- Many different inherited genetic factors can contribute to susceptibility for Melasma. Melasma can run in families- Studies have demonstrated that almost half of the women with Melasma have a family member who is also affected with Melasma.
Hormones- A common and well-known melasma trigger is the hormone. Estrogen and progesterone are hormones that lead to triggering Melasma. Because of the naturally higher estrogen levels in a female body, women develop Melasma more frequently than men. Estrogen also increases the amount of a pigment-forming enzyme, tyrosinase, in the body.
People affected with Melasma have more progesterone receptors in the concerned areas of skin. It indicates that these people have skin that is delicate to raise progesterone levels. Dr. Rajdeep Mysore, dermatologist at Charma Clinic provides effective treatment for Melasma after diagnosing the root cause of pigmentation causing concern.
II. External Factors
Skin is composed of three layers; epidermis, dermis, and subcutis. The epidermis contains melanocytes, which are cells that store and produce a dark color pigment, melanin. The melanocytes produce more melanin in response to light, heat, ultraviolet radiation, or hormonal stimulation, which is why skin darkens. The pigment melanin acts as a natural sunscreen and absorbs harmful UV radiation from sunlight and protects the skin cells from skin cancer
Fairer-skinned people are less prone to develop Melasma than those with darker brown skin tone.
Women are more likely to get Melasma than men; about 90% of women and 10% of those who get Melasma are men.
Pregnant Women have the chance to develop Melasma as hormonal changes during pregnancy can develop Melasma. A person is also at risk if they take oral contraceptives and hormones.
As per some studies conducted in this field, pollution has also emerged as a possible risk factor responsible for the onset of Melasma. When polluted air enters the skin via nanoparticles and generates quinones, it leads to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These ROS then trigger raised metalloproteinase levels that commence to cause the formation of Melasma.
Melasma is not a harmful medication condition, but this skin-darkening condition can negatively impact one's quality of life. Melasma treatment in Bangalore offered at Charma Clinic can help reduce the appearance of dark patches and prevent these patches from coming back. Melasma is one of the skin conditions that requires long term treatment and maintenance therapy. Discontinuation of treatment often causes relapses. There are various types of treatment, all of which can help fade and manage this skin condition, such as
1. Chemical Peels: Chemical peel is a minimally invasive and relatively low-cost affordable treatment to manage Melasma. There is a chemical solution available in the chemical peel that peels off the skin's topmost layer. It helps to remove discolored patches on the skin while at the same time promoting new skin growth. After the first treatment session, patients start to see improvement in the skin's appearance and texture. Chemical peels that are commonly used to treat Melasma are
Some skin doctors also combine glycolic acid with kojic acid, hydroquinone azelaic acid, or salicylic acid. Some combine peels with relevant therapies for best results. Melasma patients might need to visit the skin specialist for four to six weeks to get optimal results after the initial treatment.
Mandelic acid & Ferulic acid can also be used.
2. Lasers & energy-based devices: For the removal of Melasma, laser therapy is one of the best treatments. Laser treatment is sought by those who exhibit treatment-resistant Melasma. There are different laser treatments for Melasma. These include intense pulsed light (IPL), Q-switched lasers, picosecond or pico lasers, and fractionated resurfacing lasers.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) - IPL lasers target the excess melanin in the skin and remove excess pigmentation patches of Melasma. IPL might opt for the Melasma if it is deep in the skin. Intense pulsed light carries less risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Q-switched Lasers - Q-switched lasers target the melanin responsible for dark patches on the skin. It also includes the removal of birthmarks, tattoos, and other cosmetic marks. The treatment is safe and offers very little to no downtime.
Picosecond Lasers - Picosecond frequency represents the forefront of laser technology. These are very similar to Q-switched lasers. These are fast pulsations that help in creating energy as sound instead of heat. It has implications for the removal of melasma lesions. Studies in the field focusing on the picosecond lasers and their effect have shown an instant reduction in the melanin appearance in the epidermis.
Fractionated Lasers - Fractional laser is another treatment option for Melasma. This technology targets the cells responsible for hyperpigmentation and triggers collagen production, resulting in healthier and younger-looking skin. To get the best laser treatment for melasma treatment in Bangalore, visit Charma Clinic, and get treatment from the best laser treatment doctors to achieve a radiant and blissful look.
3. Medical Facial: Medical facial provides the benefits of exfoliation and hydration customized based on an individual's needs and desires to address skin imperfections, concerns, and overall skin health. A medical facial effectively treats Melasma, and it is a customized procedure as per individual needs. Individuals with dull, acne-prone skin, oily, uneven, rough, and sensitive skin can also benefit from a medical facial treatment.
Medical facial utilizes the typical facial procedure that helps to deliver the care the skin needs. It may include microdermabrasion, peels, photo rejuvenation, LED therapy, or a combination that revitalizes the skin. It is an ideal medical solution for skin health, and one of the greatest benefits of this treatment is that it can be personalized, as every individual's skin encounters different skin concerns and conditions and responds to each treatment in a specific manner. These treatments help remove the damaged outer skin layer, safely remove Melasma from deeper skin layers, trigger the immune system to flush out toxins from the body, and boost the production of new collagen and elastin that makes the skin look bright and pigmentation-free.
Medical facial cleans, nourishes, repairs, rejuvenates hydrates and provides an even skin tone and texture. To know more about medical facial treatment costs for managing Melasma and to know if you are an ideal candidate for this treatment, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Charma Clinic to get healthy and glowing pigmentation-free skin.
4. Microneedling: The treatment uses a small device called a derma roller that contains small microneedles that are typically 0.1–1 mm in length. During the treatment, the device is rolled over the skin gently to create pores in the topmost layer of the skin. This causes targeted damage to the skin and breaks pigmentation patches and stimulant skin repair proteins to correct the damage. This treatment also allows the topical serums and growth factors to penetrate the target skin where blood vessels and pigmentation are present to deliver better outcomes. Targeted injury causes t5. Autologous growth factor concentrateshe activation of new fibroblast and produces new collagen. It helps make the skin look fuller, spotless and also reduces visible wrinkles.
5. Autologous Growth Factor Concentrates: Growth factors present in the patient's blood are extracted using specialized equipment and injected in affected areas. They improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and help in reducing pigmentation in melasma.
Lifestyle changes for managing Melasma
Dr. Rajdeep Mysore recommends the following tips
Patients with melasma often use skin lightening creams given by chemists, over the counter. These creams often contain medications like steroids and hydroquinone which are not recommended without the supervision of a dermatologist. This is more common in rural areas and with uneducated patients. It may also be seen in uninformed people who want quick results without the hassles of a medical consultation. The side effects caused by prolonged usage of these creams often cause irreparable damage to skin which can’t be treated optimally by any doctor. Use of creams containing medicated products should strictly be avoided for pigmentation or skin lightening. The early side effects from these medications can be sunlight sensitivity (or photosensitivity), redness, burning, stinging, peeling of the skin. Prolonged usage causes dependence and immediate worsening of pigmentation on stopping the creams. This makes patients addicted to these products which cause further damage like thinning of the skin, persistent redness of skin, large pus-filled painful pimples and irritation of the skin even on applying any skin products. To be safe always check with your dermatologist before using any medicated products. Products available at retail stores by reputed companies are usually safe and dermatologically tested and can be used without medical supervision.
Charma Clinic is a leading pigmentation treatment clinic in Bangalore, India, where a qualified skin doctor provides customized treatment plans for managing Melasma and other skin pigmentation concerns.
The word Charma means skin in Sanskrit and other Indian languages. Charma was conceptualised in the summer of 2013 as a centre to treat dermatological problems. It was started in Chirag Hospital, a small nursing home in South Bengaluru.
Disclaimer: This website (www.charmaclinic.com) aims to spread awareness about skin, hair, nail problems and their relevant treatments. The information shared here is generic in nature and can not replace the advice/ prescription of a qualified medical professional. Every individual may have different skin, hair, nail concerns and must be treated accordingly. Hence, medications or treatments mentioned on the website shall not be consumed/ utilized unless prescribed by a certified medical professional.
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