What is melasma?
It is a condition in which skin become dark, patchy brown or tan. It is a common skin problem and is also known as “chloasma” or ”the mask of pregnancy”, when it occurs in pregnant women. It is more common in females as compared to males.
What is the main cause of hyper pigmentation?
It can be caused by
- Radiation: Ultraviolet, visible light or infra red light.
- Hormonal imbalance: Increased levels of estrogen, progesterone and melanocyte- stimulating hormone.
Other possible causes are:
- Contraceptive therapy
- Genetics
- Hypothyroidism
- LED screens
- Makeup
- Phototoxic drugs
- Soaps
What are the symptoms for melasma?
It is a patches of discoloration i.e brown colored patches which appears mostly on cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose or chin.
Melasma can be divided into three types depending on the level of melanin increased in the skin:
1. Epidermal melasma:
It can be defined as:
- Well defined border.
- Dark brown
- Appears more obvious on wooden lamp.
2. Dermal melasma:
It can be defined as:
- Ill defined border.
- Light brown to blue grey colour
- No attenuation on wooden lamp.
3. Mixed melasma:
- Combination of blue grey, light to dark brown colour
- Mixed pattern seen with wooden lamp
What is the diagnosis of melasma?
It is diagnosed by recognizing the typical appearance of brown skin patches on the face.
Is melasma curable?
There is no certain cure for this skin condition but there are several treatments which improves the appearance. If the disease occurs during pregnancy, it may resolve on its own after few months of delivery.
Superficial pigmentation is easier to treat than deep pigmentation.
Can hormone imbalance cause melasma?
Yes, melasma is a hyper pigmentation of the skin and is associated with the hormonal imbalance especially with pregnancy, thyroid problem, birth control pills, etc. therefore hormones are responsible for melanocyte stimulating hormones (MSH).
Can melasma turn into cancer?
No, it is not cancerous and will not develop into cancer.
Can melasma be caused by stress?
Yes, the is skin disease can be triggered by stress because stress results in the overproduction of melanocyte stimulating hormone and causes freckles / melasma.
How can I reduce brown spots from my face?
Apply lemon juice and sugar on the pigmented area of the face and leave this paste for half an hour and after 30 minutes wash your face with water. This is one of the natural way to lightened the hyper pigmentation.
Do certain foods affect melasma?
No specific foods can cause or cure or worsen melasma. However, to keep your skin healthy in general, try a skin healthy diet rich in Vitamin D such as:
- Almond milk
- Eggs
- Meat
- Milk
- Mushroom
- Oily fish
- Orange juice
- Yogurt
Why does melasma happen?
Melanocytes are the cells in the skin that deposit pigment.
When melasma occur during pregnancy it is called “chloasma”. During pregnancy estrogen, progesterone and melanocyte stimulating hormone increased which results in melasma.
How long does it take for hyper pigmentation to fade?
Generally it can take 3 – 24 months to fade but in some cases it may take longer time. It depends on how dark the spots or pigmentation is, as compared to the surrounding skin.
What homeopathic medicines can be prescribed in case of hyperpigmentation?
Homeopathy offers the safest and highly effective natural treatment for cases of facial hyperpigmentation. Firstly, homeopathic medicines helps to prevent further spread of hyperpigmentation. Afterwards, it gradually helps in lightening and fading away of the spots of the face. These medicines control excessive melanin production to reduce production and promote recovery.
- Sepia: Top grade homeopathic medicine for facial hyper pigmentation.
Hyper pigmentation appears on cheeks and forehead. Hyper pigmentation worsens during pregnancy and menopause and due to hormonal imbalance. Pigmentation varies from brownish to blackish in color. The skin may be rough and hard. It is best recommended homeopathic medicine for hyper pigmentation due hormonal imbalance.
- Thuja occidentalis: For facial pigmentation and freckles.
It works wonderfully in case of hyperpigmentation due to hormonal imbalance especially after hormonal treatment or contraceptive use. It is indicated for both freckles and blotches. The skin looks dirty and dry, and uneven brown spots. Skin is very sensitive to touch. Brown spots on hands and arms. It is known in the management of pigmentation which is due to sun exposure.
- Lachesis: For facial pigmentation in pre-menopausal women.
It is used in treating pigmentation in women of menopausal age. The pigmentation ranges from bluish-purplish to bluish-black. Woman will have hot perspiration along with other menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes relieved by perspiration or occurrence of menses. Symptoms ameliorated during winters and reappear during spring season.
- Cadmium Sulph: For facial pigmentation that worsen due to sun exposure.
This medicine is used in case of hyperpigmentation which varies from yellowish to brownish in color. The pigmentation occurs in brown spots over the entire face, mainly around nose and cheeks. The hyperpigmentation gets worse by the sun exposure and wind. The skin is yellow, scaly, cracking with itching which is better by scratching.
- Pulsatilla: For facial pigmentation with menstrual irregularities.
Facial hyper pigmentation present along with menstrual irregularities Face is sickly, often mottled, face often flushes with dark rings around the eyes. Menses are delayed , scanty and suppressed menses. Hyper pigmentation can be present along with acne.
- Natrum Muriaticum: Hyper pigmentation aggravated due to sun exposure.
Hyper pigmentation results from emotional suppression, grief and prolonged exposure to the sun. Hyper pigmentation is yellow and may appear around the cheeks and forehead. Face is oily as if greased. These individuals have craving for salt.
