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Melasma
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Melasma is a common skin condition for mostly women that creates brown patches on the skin. The most common areas to find these patches are on the upper lip, cheeks and forehead.
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What causes melasma?
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The precise cause of melasma is unknown. People with a family history of melasma are more likely to develop melasma themselves. A change in hormonal status may trigger melasma. It is commonly associated with pregnancy and called chloasma, or the “mask of pregnancy.” Birth control pills may also cause melasma, however, hormone replacement therapy used after menopause has not been shown to cause the condition.
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How is melasma treated?
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While there is no cure for melasma, many treatments have been developed. Melasma may disappear after pregnancy, it may remain for many years, or a lifetime.
Sunscreens are essential in the treatment of melasma. They should be broad spectrum, protecting against both UVA and UVB rays from the sun. A SPF 30 or higher should be selected. In addition, physical sunblock lotions and creams such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide, may be used to block ultraviolet radiation and visible light. Sunscreens should be worn daily, whether or not it is sunny outside, or if you are outdoors or indoors. A significant amount of ultraviolet rays is received while walking down the street, driving in cars, and sitting next to windows.
A variety of bleaching creams are available for the treatment of melasma. Most of these creams can be prescribed by your dermatologist and will take three months to improve the melasma significantly, if at all. Laser treatments are also used to improve the appearance of melasma. The most widely used lasers used at Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Center of Charlotte are GentleLase for brown spots and Fraxel (look for information about these lasers under Laser Procedures). Laser treatments for melasma are not covered by insurance and take muliple treatments in order to see improvements.
Courtesy of www.aad.org
For more information contact our office at 704-333-9113
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