Melasma is a condition that affects the skin and is found mostly in women; however it can affect males but it is very rare. This skin condition tends to affect women who are taking hormones or in their child bearing years. Gathering more knowledge on the different types will aid in determining the best and most effective Melasma treatment.
The facial region is usually the area generally affected with this skin condition. It is characterized by patches of discoloration ranging in color from brown, tan and blue-gray. It has not yet been determined what the exact cause of this condition is but the medical community tends to believe it arises from exposure to the sun or hormones from medication or pregnancy.
Males can become infected with the skin condition but it is very rare. Statistics show that approximately ninety percent of all cases involve women. With that being the case, approximately six-million women suffer from this unsightly skin condition. The areas which seem to be inflicted the majority of the time are upper lip, forehead, cheeks and jaws; it is possible for other regions to contract the skin condition but highly unlikely.
Four types of this skin condition have been identified and they are; epidermal, dermal, mixed and unnamed. Each type is signified by certain pigmentation patterns. The epidermal for has excess melanin on the skin; the dermal form has melanophages that are in the dermis layer of the skin; the mixed has both melanin and melanophages; the final form has been unnamed but is found more in darker skinned individuals and is characterized by melanocytes in the skin.
Diagnosing this skin condition is not difficult; the hard part comes when trying to distinguish which type is present. Generally a visual evaluation will determine if you have the skin condition. Determining which type is usually done with the use of a black light or Woods light. Sometimes when this does not work a skin biopsy can be used however this is done on rare occasions.
Treatment can be done in several ways but the most common is by the use of a hydroquinone cream. If the cream is prescribed it usually has greater than a two percent concentration of HQ; it can be purchased over the counter but the concentration of HQ will be two percent or less. Sunscreen can also be used in treating the condition along with avoiding prolonged sun exposure. There are times when the skin condition will clear up without treatment.
Creams are not the only means of treating this condition; there is also a laser therapy, microdermabrasion and chemical peel. However, nothing seems to work as well or be as effective as the hydroquinone cream. It is always smart if you think you may have Melasma to consult a professional and see which Melasma treatment is best for you.
The facial region is usually the area generally affected with this skin condition. It is characterized by patches of discoloration ranging in color from brown, tan and blue-gray. It has not yet been determined what the exact cause of this condition is but the medical community tends to believe it arises from exposure to the sun or hormones from medication or pregnancy.
Males can become infected with the skin condition but it is very rare. Statistics show that approximately ninety percent of all cases involve women. With that being the case, approximately six-million women suffer from this unsightly skin condition. The areas which seem to be inflicted the majority of the time are upper lip, forehead, cheeks and jaws; it is possible for other regions to contract the skin condition but highly unlikely.
Four types of this skin condition have been identified and they are; epidermal, dermal, mixed and unnamed. Each type is signified by certain pigmentation patterns. The epidermal for has excess melanin on the skin; the dermal form has melanophages that are in the dermis layer of the skin; the mixed has both melanin and melanophages; the final form has been unnamed but is found more in darker skinned individuals and is characterized by melanocytes in the skin.
Diagnosing this skin condition is not difficult; the hard part comes when trying to distinguish which type is present. Generally a visual evaluation will determine if you have the skin condition. Determining which type is usually done with the use of a black light or Woods light. Sometimes when this does not work a skin biopsy can be used however this is done on rare occasions.
Treatment can be done in several ways but the most common is by the use of a hydroquinone cream. If the cream is prescribed it usually has greater than a two percent concentration of HQ; it can be purchased over the counter but the concentration of HQ will be two percent or less. Sunscreen can also be used in treating the condition along with avoiding prolonged sun exposure. There are times when the skin condition will clear up without treatment.
Creams are not the only means of treating this condition; there is also a laser therapy, microdermabrasion and chemical peel. However, nothing seems to work as well or be as effective as the hydroquinone cream. It is always smart if you think you may have Melasma to consult a professional and see which Melasma treatment is best for you.
About the Author:
When you are looking for in southern California for a cosmetic surgeon you should check out Richard Weiss MD, Newport Beach's outstanding specialist in skin rejuvenation treatments. From unwanted freckles to acne scars, he can remove dermal blemishes and restore your skin's healthy look with laser treatments, chemical peels and other proven cosmetic procedures.
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