Melasma: OVERVIEW

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a common and recurring skin condition which leads to formation of grey/brown patches on the skin. Face is most common site of melasma. Melasma occurs more commonly in women, though men (26 to 32% in india) can also be affected. It often occurs after pregnancy and is referred as mask of pregnancy or Chloasma. Common age of developing melasma is 28-37 years of age. Melasma is more common in people with darker skin and people who expose to sunlight more frequently for long duration.

Melasma Causes

What are the causes of melasma?

Melasma occurs when the melanin (Pigment which gives colour to skin, hair and eyes) producing cells, “melanocytes” start producing too much melanin. It is more common in dark skin individuals as they have more active melanocytes. Any of the following can trigger the overproduction of melanin and cause melasma:

• Hormonal factors (Pregnancy, hormonal therapies, oral contraceptives)
• Exposure to sunlight (Ultraviolet and possibly visible light too)
• Family history
• Skin phototype (Darker skin is more prone)
• Thyroid disorders
• Stress
• Cosmetic abuse
• Medicines- photosensitizing drugs and anticonvulsants
• Iron or Zinc deficiency
• In men – Low testesterone levels has been observed.

Melasma Symptoms

What are the symptoms of Melasma?

Melasma presents as asymptomatic dark, brown or greyish brown spots on the skin which are generally symmetrical on both sides of the face. The common sites of melasma are:
Face – On face melasma may develop in three patterns- Centre, malar (outer part of cheeks- most common type), and mandubular (lower jaw line). Common sites on face are:

• Cheeks
• Forehead
• Bridge of nose
• Upper lip & Chin
• Jaw line

Extrafacial- Involvement of sites other than face. It is rare type and more common in postmenopausal women. It is difficult to treat.

• Arm, forearm, chest, back/li>

Melasma Treatment In Jaipur

How is Melasma Diagnosed?

In majority of cases, dermatologist will examine your skin and may ask certain questions to diagnose melasma cliniclly most of the time. Woods lamp examination or dermoscopy can be done by doctor to know depth of pigmentation. Rarely to differentiate it from other causes of pigmentation skin biopsy may be required.

Is melasma treatable?

Melasma can fade on its own or persist for years if left untreated. It tends to come back even after it has faded. Treatments aim towards fading the pigmentation, but none can guarantee that it won’t come back.

What are the treatment options available for Melasma?

Melasma treatment need combination of multiple modalities to get best results. Medical treatment of melasa is first step for that. If required chemical peels and laser treatments can be combined to get faster results or in patients who did not respond to medical treatment properly. It takes 4-5 months to achieve satisfactory improvement, there after maintenance treatment follows. Following treatment options are available for Melasma:

1. Medical treatment: This is the backbone of treatment regimen for any type of pigmentation. Your doctor will examine your skin and lay out a treatment plan for you. Medical treatment may involve one or more of the following according to your skin condition:

• Broad spectrum sunscreen: This will be prescribed by your doctor and will offer optimum coverage from UVA and UVB rays. It must be used strictly in the manner advised by your doctor to experience its beneficial effects.
• Skin lightening creams:Melasma creams generally include ingredients like hydroquinone, arbutin, liquorice extract, N-acetylglucosamine, Vitamin B-3 (niacinamide), peeling agents like glycolic acid and retinoids.
• Oral medications for melasma

1. Chemical peels for melasma:Chemical peeling is a treatment that increases the skin cell turnover, removing the outer layers of dead, dull, blemished and wrinkled skin to reveal underlying fresher and younger looking skin. It can be performed on face, neck, chest, back, hands and even arm and legs.Chemical peels are applied to the skin as gels on solutions. They cause the dead skin to slough off and eventually peel off. Removal of dead skin gives birth to new skin which has improved tone and texture.
2. Laser treatment for melasma:Laser Toning or Laser facial is skin treatment using a Q-switch laser. This treatment can lighten hyperpigmentation, even out skin texture, and leave skin glowing. At Dr. Kothiwala’s SkinEva clinic, Laser toning is done by world-class ALMA-Q laser, which utilizes cutting-edge technology to safely reveal clearer, brighter, healthier looking skin. They work on all types of pigmentation disorders like:

• Skin tanning
• Age spots
• Melasma
• Freckles
• Acne marks
• Uneven skin tone
• Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

1. IPL treatment/Photofacial: A Photofacial, or “Fotofacial,” is a procedure in which intense pulses of light are used to penetrate deep into the skin. Intense pulsed light is a powerful light source that is used for skin rejuvenation and has ability to penetrate the skin with minimal skin damage. Photofacial treats following pigmentation disorders:

• Reduce the appearance of sunspots and freckles.
• Lessen hyperpigmentation.
• Treat skin flushing and skin redness.
• Treat vascular lesions (broken capillaries, blood vessels, telangiectasia, rosacea) and dark pigmentation associated with them.
• Improve facial tone.

Other treatment which can be used for melasma treatment in combination to above treatment.

1. Glutathione therapy: Glutathione is a very powerful antioxidant that protects the body by targeting and destroying reactive oxygen molecules and free radicals. Glutathione is used in combination with Vitamin C and is administered intravenously. This powerful combination of Glutathione and Vitamin C fights free radical damage supports cell health and integrity and prevents collagen damage. This reversal of oxidative cell damage boosts skin health and leads to even-toned skin.Glutathione speeds up cell turnover, replacing damaged cells with new cells giving your skin a bright, even, glowing tone. Glutathione inhibits the production of melanin (the pigment which gives skin its colour), resulting in brighter looking skin.

1. Co2 resurfacing:Superficial skin resurfacing (Laser Skin Lift Treatment) is helpful in treating resistant melasma and can also be used pre peel to increse effect of peel.

1. Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion (MDA) or skin polishing is a non-surgical procedure offering safe and controlled skin abrasion. It skilfully removes outermost layer of dead skin revealing fresher and brighter looking skin. It is safe lunchtime procedure with no downtime.

1. Carbon facial: A facial that comes all the way from Asia, Carbon facial, also known as charcoal facial or charcoal peel, is a revolutionary non-invasive laser treatment that leaves the skin brighter, softer, firmer and smoother. The treatment helps to reduce skin imperfections and enlarged pores. The reduction in pore size and a superior clean provide the smooth porcelain like results, which is why it is popularly known as China Doll Facial. It is highly beneficial for people with oily skin, blackheads, enlarged pores, dull skin, and acne on the face or body. It is also an excellent way to exfoliate and refresh your skin, providing an instant refreshed appearance.

1. Dermal therapies: Dermal therapies include clean-ups and Medi-facials, HydraFacial and Oxygeneo facial. These are most effective, hygienic and medically sound facials. They deeply clean, exfoliate, rejuvenate and hydrate. Packed with nutrients and essential oils and customized for the individual skin type, these are designed to encourage healthy, glowing and vibrant skin. Highly recommended for acne-prone, dull, dehydrated and sun-tanned skin. For optimal results, one therapy should be taken every 3-4 weeks.

TIPS

Following are the ways by which you can keep a check on melasma and reduce the risk of melasma returning:

• Keep sun-exposure to minimum especially between 10 am to 4 pm.
• Use sun protective clothing, scarfs and wide brimmed hats to protect your skin from sun.
• Use a doctor prescribed broad spectrum sunscreen and repeat it every 3 hours, until after noon.
• Return for follow-up visits and stick to the maintenance treatment prescribed by your doctor.
• Get an exfoliating treatment like, Chemical peel, Medifacial, Carbon facial or microdermabrasion once a month.
• Use gentle skin care products that do not irritate the skin and worsen melasma.
• Follow a regular and healthy exercise and diet schedule.
• Avoid self-medication at all costs.

Why Should I choose Dr.Kothiwala’s SkinEva Clinic?

There are many reasons which give Dr.Kothiwala’s SkinEva Clinic an edge over other skin clinics:

• You will have a detailed consultation with the best dermatologist in Jaipur, Dr.Sunil Kothiwala.
• Personlized Medical and Procedural treatment as per your skin type
• World class chemical peels like sesderma, cosmelan.
• World class Q switch Nd:Yag Laser Alma Q for laser toning
• Affordable treatment packages

For more information on Melasma Treatment in Vaishali Nagar & Sitabadi Tonk Road, Jaipur or to inquire about other services please contact us on 7669571405.