” Melasma ” is a problem which disturbs men and women, due to everyone wants to have clear white skin without dark spots. The melasma makes us worry and not feeling confident to interact with people. For those whose age starts with number 3 it is where more blemish is usually prominent. Currently there are medical methods which can be our alternative dealing with the problem. Include bringing your confidence back again.
What causes melasma?
Doctor of Skin and Beauty Center Phyathai 3 Hospital explained that the “melasma” caused by a melanocyte disorder, which produces more melanin than usual, as we see a light and dark brown spot on facial area.
Where melasma appear?
Typically, the melasma can occur all over the face.
Both sides of cheekbones Forehead
Nose Above the lips
Chin (commonly found ) Neck
Upper chest Arms
Melasma occurs to women than men, it is not a malfunction by birth. Majority will happen in the age of 30 years up.
Melasma triggers
For the cause of melasma is unclear according to Doctor of Skin and Beauty Center Phyathai 3 Hospital has said. However, there are many triggers and factors as follows.
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- Genetics
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- Sun exposure
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- Hormones such as pregnancy, hormone exposure as birth control pills taking .
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- In addition, may be due to some medications as anticonvulsants or medicine which causes sunburn, where there are UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared light, can stimulate the blemish and melasma to appear clearly on a face
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- Cosmetic allergy
Protection.
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- Avoid facing sunlight during 10 am – 4 pm. , always wear a hat or umbrella in case going out doing some important activities.
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- Apply a sunscreen regularly, be considered for the SPF, which indicates the UVB protection, should have SPF for 30 up. Including the PA which represents a UVA protection and provides PA 2+.
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- Should apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and do not forget to apply it frequently
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- Avoid using medication which stimulates melasma.
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Can it be cured?
Doctor of Skin and Beauty Center Phyathai 3 Hospital explained that the treatment of melasma is not stable . One way for treatment is controlling the amount of pigment. However it can be done by
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- Hydroquinone, which is directly controls pigment with concentration of 2 – 5%, but be careful of side effects which may cause skin irritation. Long-term use may cause the skin becomes darker called “ochronosis” In addition, be careful to a type of vitamin A acid irritation as well. It may cause skin sensitive to sunlight. Which a reason why steroids are mixed to reduce irritation. However, be aware if apply for long periods, can cause acne to facial skin. Moreover, using AHA or other whitening ingredients such as azaleic acid, kojic, licorice, arbutin, vitamin c can also be used for melasma treatment.
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- tranxenamic acid taking including vitamin C together with vitamin E. For surgery or treatment such as peeling, iontophoresis, crystal polishing, IPL or lasers for example Q switched Nd-YAG, fractional laser, can help fading melasma. But be careful of the side effects which may cause dry skin irritation or irritate the skin and impact by providing more darker pigment. Things to be considered are drugs or creams that contain dangerous ingredients such as mercury, ammonia. Accordingly it can cause permanent stain or harm to organs in the body, such as kidney or liver failure.
However, what you should keep in mind and focus on every time when deciding on an establishment to treat melasma or skin. The treatment you receive must base on standard. The doctor has experiences and expertise. Finally, the treatment of “melasma” will take time to heal. And each skin will respond to treatments differently. Depends on the depth ,intensity and different stimulation factors.
Phyathai 3 Hospital
