Living with melasma
- Posted on: Jan 15 2020
Men and women who are struggling with the appearance of dark pigmentation on their face and body may be dealing with a condition known as melasma. Melasma, which literally means “dark skin,” is a common condition that can cause hyperpigmentation on the skin. While men may develop this condition, it is more typically seen in women—especially those that are pregnant. It is believed that the higher levels of estrogen during pregnancy may contribute to the melanocytes in the skin producing melanin, causing patches of dark skin to develop.
Understanding melasma
Research continues to determine the specific source and cause of melasma in men and women, though hormones are thought to be a trigger. Melasma is completely harmless, and millions of Americans are impacted by it. While it is not a serious condition, it can be embarrassing and cause stress to those who deal with it. Many of these men and women come to Asarch Dermatology, Laser and Mohs Surgery to ask our doctors how to manage it.
Treatment for melasma
Because melasma is a condition caused by pigmentation concerns, the best treatment option for melasma continues to be bleaching products. Certain ingredients can help in reducing the depth of darkness in other pigmentation conditions and can be used to reduce the appearance of melasma. These brightening and bleaching products may include ingredients such as glycolic acid and hydroquinone. Our doctors can offer product recommendations to patients to help in fading away these areas as much as possible. For women who develop this condition during pregnancy, they may notice natural fading of these areas after they give birth and their hormone levels rebalance. However, some patients may live with this condition for years and may require intervention with a qualified professional and medical-grade products.
Visit Asarch Dermatology, Laser and Mohs Surgery today
If you are dealing with melasma and want to educate yourself better on the condition, we invite you to book a consultation visit at one of our several locations in Colorado. Our primary number is (303) 761-7797 and allows you to schedule an appointment at any of our locations in the areas of Lakewood, Castle Rock, Holyoke, and Englewood, CO.
Posted in: Skin Cancer