WHAT IS MELASMA?

Melasma is a common skin problem. This condition causes dark and discolored patches on your skin.

Another name for this condition is chloasma or the mask of pregnancy when it occurs in pregnant women.

Common areas for occurrence of melasma

• Bridge of the face
• The forehead
• Cheeks
• Upper lips
• Forearms
• Neck
• Shoulders

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR MELASMA

• Pregnancy ( due to hormonal changes)
• Birth control pills sun exposure
• Some skin products
• Dark complexion persons 
• Female
• Hormonal therapy
• Thyroid disease
• Sun exposure

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MELASMA?

• Patchy discoloration (darker than usual skin color)
• Itching (sometimes)

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF MELASMA?

The exact cause is unknown but it may be due to malfunction of the melanocytes (the color-making cells)in the skin, causing them to produce too much melanin.

DIAGNOSIS OF MELASMA

• Usually self-diagnosis
• Lab tests are not required 
• Wood lamp examination

TREATMENT OF MELASMA

• Sometimes self-treatable (in pregnancy )
• Combined medicated creams
• Corticosteroids and tretinoin
• Additional topical medications

MANAGEMENT OF MELASMA

• Avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun 
• Use sunscreen every day with SPF 30
• Wearing a wide-brimmed hat that shields or provide shades for your face

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT OF MELASMA

• Lycopodium
• Sepia
• Thuja
• Berberis aquifolium
• Argentum nitricum
• Cadmium sulphuratum
• Caulophyllum
• Plumbum metallicum
• Sulphur 

DO'S & DON'TS

DO'S

• Drink a good amount of water every day to keep yourself hydrated
• Wear a hat, and sunglasses and cover your affected area with cotton breathable cloth
• Use sunscreen daily after consulting the dermatologist

DON'TS

• Don't scrub your skin aggressively
• Don't overexpose to the sun