Dark skin discoloration that appears on the sun exposed areas of skin is referred to as melasma. The melasma looks as a tan. Usually melasma appears on upper cheeks, upper lip, forehead and chin.
Melasma appears as symmetric hyperpigmented macules. Melasma is also called chloasma that occurs during pregnancy. Melasma is derived from a Greek word Melas that means “black”.
In most of the cases there is a direct relationship between occurrence of melasma and female hormonal activity as melasma appears during pregnancy or use of oral contraceptive pills. Certain cosmetics, mild ovarian or thyroid dysfunction and photosensitizing medication are also responsible in development of melasma.
Sunlight exposure is the most important factor in the development of melasma. Melasma commonly develops in summer months on intense exposure to sun and during winters it becomes less visible. Melasma cannot be treated if sunlight exposure is not strictly avoided.
People of any race can be affected by melasma. It is most common in people of light brown skin type. The exact cause of melasma is not known. The occurrence of melasma is believed to be triggered by birth control pills, pregnancy, hormonal replacement therapy, family history, sensitive skin that is more prone to pigmentation after sun exposure. Melasma during pregnancy is believed to occur due to high level of progesterone. If a woman receives progesterone hormone replacement therapy she is more at risk to develop melasma. Family history is among the major risk factors of developing melasma.
Suggested diet:
• Eat food and fruits rich in vitamin C and E
• Include food rich in folate in diet, e.g. nuts, green leafy vegetables and whole grains.
• Avoid spicy food, eggs, alcohol and chicken.
• Include zinc in diet. Animal protein is the best source of zinc
Home remedies:
• Apply lemon juice on affected area and rinse off after 20 minutes with lukewarm water. Lemon is a natural skin lightener.
• Mix equal amount of apple cider vinegar and water. Apply it on affected area and air dry it then rinse with lukewarm water.
• Apply Aloe Vera gel for 15-20 minutes. It helps in promoting regeneration of new skin cells.
• Use papaya as a face mask as it is a great natural exfoliator.
Homeopathy for melasma:
Sepia: this remedy is best suited to weak and pale complexioned women. Marked symptom of sepia is that the patient is indifferent to loved ones and becomes anxious towards evening.
Lycopodium: this remedy is best suited to person who is thin and have tendency of formation of gas in abdomen. Person is sensitive to noises and odors. There is fear of being alone.
Natrum Mur.: lady who needs natrum mur is very sensitive to all kind of influences. Consolation aggravates her. Her menses are irregular and profuse
Pulsatilla: this remedy is indicated to woman who is mild and gentle, who weeps easily while talking. Her menses are suppressed.
Calcarea carb: this medicine is indicated in women whose menses are profuse, too early and lasts too long. She is forgetful, confused and low spirited. There is headache, colic, chilliness and leucorrhea before menses.
Caulophyllum: in caulophyllum skin symptoms are marked with uterine disorders.
