Wondering If It Is Melasma?

No one relishes unwanted skin problems. The appearance of a person's skin can affect self respect. One of the most unwanted skin blemishes out there is melasma. Why? Because melasma is a very noticeable dark pigment on the skin that becomes as embarrassing as having warts, acne or skin tags.

Melasma is normally located very visibly on the face. Melasma is usually harmless and the situations most people have with this skin problem have to do with their feelings of self-worth as previously noted.

So... who gets Melasma?

Men and women can have melasma. However, around 90% of all melasma onsets occur in women. If you are pregnant you have a higher chance of experiencing Melasma due to the hormonal changes going on in your body due to your pregnancy.

The silver cloud (if there can be one) for pregnant caused melasma is that it should disappear in just a few months. Pregnancy caused melasma is termed melasma gravidarum or the mask of pregnancy. It is temporary and does not need treatment as long as you can be patient until it goes away by itself.

Genetics can also be part of the cause in the creation of melasma. This is where the cases of melasma in men comes in. It has been shown that melasma occurs more often in men and women of Native American descent, certain Hispanics and Europeans.

Age spots should not be called melasma but they do have a lot of the same characteristics with melasma and normally occur in older people. Both skin blemishes can be treated with similar methods.

Taking Hormone Replacement Therapy and taking some medications may also lead to the development of melasma. Any therapy that triggers the melanocytes to produce melanin can cause melasma.

Excessive sun exposure can also produce melasma. We all know that an over abundance of sun is bad for the skin. As much as we enjoy the sun, it is not wise to go overboard by over exposing yourself to get a nice tan. In the worst cases, sun damaged skin can lead to skin cancer sometimes know as melanocarcinoma.

Melasma shows up more pronounced on fair skin. Due to that scientists have developed quite a few treatment options to speed the disappearance of melasma. Pregnant women should be cautious and visit with your doctor before treating any condition. You may find your doctor will tell you it is best to leave your pregnancy-caused melasma alone. Besides, it will naturally dissipate on its own and some of the treatments may be harmful to you or your unborn child if taken during your pregnancy.

Treatment solutions for melasma vary from natural do-it-yourself remedies to medical intervention.

Whether to seek treatment or leave melasma alone, well, that is your choice.


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Melasma treatment options. Other skin condition options.