Learn more about melasma. Who can get melasma, what's new in the treatments and what is working for other people. Come here often, because we will ad more news frequently to this page.

Who get Melasma?

I love tanning too. I layed out this weekend and felt great! I was feeling so white! When it is warm enough for the pool I am going to lay on my stomach on a flimsy float so there is no pressure on my stomach, but for now I am satisfied with whatever sun I can get!

My concern is related to pregnancy induced melasma-those dark patches of skin that can appear on your face with sun exposure. Women who get melasma during pregnancy have a really hard time getting rid of it postpartum. I always recommend pregnant women wear a high level broad spectrum sunscreen on their face (at least) to prevent this condition. Believe me, once you get those dark patches it's very, very hard to get rid of them. Prevention is key.

Why Does Melasma Occur?

It is still not known what causes Melasma, however, it is thought that it could be because of an increase in the melanin producing cells. The skin's dark color is due to the melanin present in it.

The skin discoloration caused by Melasma usually begins to diminish as there is a stabilization of the hormones. Hence, pregnant women affected with Melasma usually find their skin discoloration fading within months of giving birth to the baby. And as for women on hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives, they usually find the discolorations fading once the medications are stopped. Protecting the skin from the sun can help in not exacerbating the condition.

Can I Develop Melasma?

Melasma are dark, blotchy marks that appear on the face, especially in the forehead, cheeks, upper lips, chin, and nose. They may also occur in other skin areas often exposed to the sun, like the forearms and back. Their color, which also determines their type, varies from brown (epidermal melasma), blue-gray (dermal melasma), or brown-gray (mixed). Among these, it is commonly thought that dermal melasma is harder to treat.

A very common skin disorder, melasma often occurs among women. Those with brownish skin tones are the most susceptible ones, like Hispanics, Asians, and those who live in areas with intense sun exposure. Nevertheless, men also get affected by melasma, but they make up only a measly 10% of melasma sufferers.

Caused by an imbalance of hormones, melasma is the result of excess melanin being deposited in the dermal or epidermal layers of the skin. Your skin naturally darkens, or tans, in response to sun exposure, due to the pigment melanin. In women with melasma, the imbalance of melanin in certain areas of the face cause the dark patches to form.

The majority of melasma cases occur during pregnancy or with oral contraceptive use, but women who are taking hormone replacement therapy can also develop melasma. Between 50% and 70% of pregnant women experience melasma, usually during the second or third trimester. Melasma seems to run in families — if your mother and grandmother had melasma, you are more likely to develop it.

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