Do you have brown spots on your face? Let's talk about melasma!

When you look at your face in the mirror, you suddenly notice some brown spots that weren't there before. These spots are especially visible on your cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. It's normal to feel a little scared and worried when you see these. Most of the time, this condition is what we medically call "Melasma." This is not dangerous, but it is a little annoying. So today, let's talk about melasma clearly and simply.

What exactly is Melasma?

Simply put, melasma is a very common skin condition. It causes light brown, dark brown, or sometimes blue-gray spots or patches to appear on certain areas of our skin, especially on the face. These are not raised areas of the skin, but are simply changes in skin color.

These spots are most often seen on the cheeks, forehead, nose, upper lip, and chin. Some people can also develop them on the arms and back of the neck. This condition is very common during pregnancy, so some people call it the "mask of pregnancy." If you have melasma, you will notice that these spots become darker during the sunny season and fade a little during the rainy season.

Why does this happen? What happens inside our skin

To understand this, let's learn a little about our skin. Our skin has three main layers. The top layer is called the epidermis. It is in the epidermis that we find a type of cell that gives our skin its color. We call them melanocytes .

Think of these melanocytes as little factories that produce the color in our skin. The pigment that these factories produce is called melanin . When we go out in the sun, our skin darkens because the production of this melanin increases.

What happens to someone with melasma is that these cells called melanocytes in certain areas of the skin become a little more active. These cells are stimulated by things like sunlight and hormonal changes, and they produce too much melanin only in those areas. It is those areas where the excess melanin is deposited that appear to us as brown spots.

Are there types of melasma?

Yes, melasma can be divided into three main types depending on the depth of the melanin pigment deposited in the skin. A doctor can identify this type using a special light (`Wood's lamp`).

Who is at higher risk of developing melasma?

Although anyone can develop melasma, some people are at higher risk.

• Women: 90% of people who develop melasma are women. It is very rare in men.
• Pregnant mothers: The risk of developing melasma is very high due to hormonal changes that occur in the body during pregnancy.
• People with dark skin: People with slightly tanned, brown skin are more likely to develop melasma than those with fair skin.
• People taking birth control pills: The hormones in birth control pills (`Oral Contraceptives`) can also cause or worsen melasma.
• If someone in your family has it: If a close relative, like your mother or sister, has melasma, you have a small chance of developing it too. This means there is a genetic influence.

Could this be cancer? Does it hurt?

This is a big fear and doubt for many people. But the answer to this is very clear.

However, there's something important to know here. Sometimes skin cancers can look like melasma. So, if you have a new spot and are suspicious about it, it's best and safest to see a doctor, especially a dermatologist, to make sure it's exactly what it is.

What are the main causes of melasma?

There is no single cause for melasma. It can be a combination of several factors.

• Sunlight: This is the main enemy. The ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the sun stimulates the cells that produce melanin. This is why the spots become darker when someone with melasma goes into the sun.
• Hormonal changes: During pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone therapy, the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body change. These changes directly affect melasma.
• Harmful cosmetics: Some scented soaps, cosmetics, and skin care products that are allergic to the skin can also increase melasma.
• Certain medications: Some medications for epilepsy and medications that make the skin sensitive to the sun (phototoxic drugs) can also cause melasma.
• Light from LED screens: It has now been discovered that prolonged exposure to the light emitted from the phones, laptops, tablets, and TV screens we use throughout the day can also have some effect on melasma.
• Thyroid problems: People with hypothyroidism are also at risk of developing melasma.

What are the treatments for melasma?

Melasma is a condition that can be difficult to treat and requires patience. Sometimes, especially after pregnancy, these spots will go away on their own. But that doesn't happen to everyone.

When talking about treatment, the first thing we need to do is prevent the condition from getting worse.

1. Sun protection (this is the most important thing!)

No matter what treatment you do, if you don't protect yourself from the sun, it will all go to waste.

• Use sunscreen every day: Whether it's sunny, cloudy, or even indoors, make it a habit to apply sunscreen in the morning. Choose one with at least SPF 30-50 .
• Reapply every two to three hours: You should reapply sunscreen, especially if you are sweating or working outside.
• Use a wide-brimmed hat and umbrella: Avoid direct sunlight on your face whenever possible.

2. Types of Topical Medications

The doctor will assess your condition and prescribe a suitable cream for you. These work by controlling the production of skin pigment.

• Hydroquinone: A commonly used medication for melasma.
• Azelaic acid: A safe medication that can also be used by pregnant women.
• Tretinoin: This is also a medication that helps renew skin cells.
• Other ingredients: There are also creams that contain things like vitamin C, kojic acid, and tranexamic acid.

3. Other treatments

If cosmetics alone do not provide results, there are other treatments that dermatologists can perform.

• Chemical peel: A method of removing the top layer of skin using a special chemical.
• Laser treatments: A method of removing excess pigment from the skin using light beams.

These treatments for melasma should definitely be performed by an experienced, qualified specialist , otherwise the condition may worsen.

Melasma, skin spots, spots on the face, melasma treatment sinhala, spots during pregnancy, skin diseases, skin discoloration