An unsightly condition of the skin, Melasma is a skin condition that affects mostly women in their child baring years. It usually affects the facial area however it can occur on any part of the body. There are different types so knowing which Melasma treatment is best will depend on how severe and which type of the condition you have.
Patches of discolored skin, usually blue-gray, brown or tan, are found on the face signifying the presence of this condition. There is no real known cause but it is believed by many medical professionals that hormonal changes from such things as birth control and pregnancy may be a cause as well as exposure to the sun.
Men are not as susceptible to this skin condition as a woman; which explains why ninety percent of all cases are affecting women. Approximately six-million women suffer from this skin condition, which is usually found on the upper lip, forehead, cheeks or jaw. Make no mistake; this condition can affect other parts of the body as well.
This skin condition like so many other conditions has different forms or types. There is the form known as epidermal which is distinguished by excess melanin in the top layers of the skin; the form known as dermal which is distinguished by melanophages in the dermis; the third and most common form is known as mixed which is distinguished by a combination of both epidermal and dermal and the final form is unnamed and is distinguished by melanocytes, which is more common in dark skinned individuals. Each form has specific distinguishing attributes and characteristics.
Visual inspection of the skin by a professional can usually determine whether the condition is present. Determining the form is done by using a special light. On very rare occasions when the visual inspection or special light cannot help in determining the form a skin biopsy can be performed.
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.
Patches of discolored skin, usually blue-gray, brown or tan, are found on the face signifying the presence of this condition. There is no real known cause but it is believed by many medical professionals that hormonal changes from such things as birth control and pregnancy may be a cause as well as exposure to the sun.
Men are not as susceptible to this skin condition as a woman; which explains why ninety percent of all cases are affecting women. Approximately six-million women suffer from this skin condition, which is usually found on the upper lip, forehead, cheeks or jaw. Make no mistake; this condition can affect other parts of the body as well.
This skin condition like so many other conditions has different forms or types. There is the form known as epidermal which is distinguished by excess melanin in the top layers of the skin; the form known as dermal which is distinguished by melanophages in the dermis; the third and most common form is known as mixed which is distinguished by a combination of both epidermal and dermal and the final form is unnamed and is distinguished by melanocytes, which is more common in dark skinned individuals. Each form has specific distinguishing attributes and characteristics.
Visual inspection of the skin by a professional can usually determine whether the condition is present. Determining the form is done by using a special light. On very rare occasions when the visual inspection or special light cannot help in determining the form a skin biopsy can be performed.
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 will get rid of blemishes and renew your skin's healthy look with laser treatments, chemical peels and other proven cosmetic procedures.