MELASMA

March 09, 2022

MELASMA

We all have cells in our body called Melanocytes, which are responsible for giving the pigment to our eyes, hair, our skin tone, etc. Unfortunately, on some occasions, an excess of these cells is produced, producing spots or hyperpigmentation on the face related to hormonal changes, stressful situations, genetics, inflammation, age or sun exposure. And that is where we see MELASMA.

Let's talk a little about these stains!

What is Melasma?

MELASMA, also called chloasma, is a type of hyperpigmentation and skin disease that consists of the appearance of dark brown spots located and usually distributed in areas exposed to the sun and bilaterally, which can be described as a mirror effect.

These types of spots can appear more frequently on the face, especially on the cheeks, the back of the nose, the forehead and the upper lip, and sometimes on other parts of the body exposed to the sun, such as the fingers. , neck and forearms.

This is a pathology that affects women much more than men, and, in particular, pregnant women.

In my experience, it is almost always triggered by a high exposure to the sun, or an event that causes a lot of stress.

What are the most common causes of MELASMA?

The most frequent causes of its appearance can be:

Alteration of epidermal pigmentation or alteration in melanocytes (the melanin-producing cells located in the basal layer of the epidermis).

The production of endogenous hormones during pregnancy stimulates melanocytes, causing them to produce more melanocyte pigments.

The lack of melanin inhibition causes dark spots to appear. Decreasing levels of a hormone called tyrosinase in the skin can help inhibit excess melanin production before it has even started.

The intake of contraceptives can also cause the appearance of MELASMAS, since the woman's body experiences hormonal changes similar to those that appear during pregnancy.

Exposure to UV rays is also an important triggering or aggravating factor in the presentation of this type of spots.

And this is one of the many reasons why I always recommend that you apply BROAD SPECTRUM SUN PROTECTION and SPF 50+ factor to prevent the stimulation of pigment production, especially if there is a family history that the mother, an aunt, a grandmother suffered from these spots.

What types of MELASMA exist?

1. EPIDERMAL MELASMA

It affects the most exposed layer of the skin and the hyperpigmentation is brown with well-defined borders.

2. DERMAL MELASMA

It affects the deepest level of the dermis and is characterized by grayish-blue spots.

3. MIXED MELASMA

It is a combination of epidermal and dermal melasma, and appears as a grayish-brown pigment. Due to the depth of melanin pigments in dermal and mixed melasma, these types can be more difficult to treat.

Unlike other types of spots, MELASMAS are chronic, symmetrical spots with irregular edges. Other spots such as solar lentigines or age spots are more asymmetrical or oval; they affect the face, hands, arms, shoulders and are more common in light-skinned women and men.

How to prevent and treat MELASMA

Unfortunately we cannot eradicate the disease, but we can control the outbreaks that appear, and especially place more emphasis on preventing the appearance of these spots, with the following recommendations:

Avoid triggering factors such as prolonged exposure to UVA, UVB, Infrared radiation and even visible light.

Avoid as far as possible the use of hormonal contraceptives and photosensitizing drugs.

Use BROAD SPECTRUM SUN PROTECTION daily, constantly and permanently. The photoprotector application should be repeated approximately every 2 hours.

Make use of clothing that covers most of the body, and accessories (hats, glasses, umbrellas, etc.) to avoid receiving radiation directly on as much skin as possible.

For the treatment, active ingredients or dermocosmetic products are usually used that produce an inhibition of the formation of melanin by various mechanisms, and the whitening of the spots. Some of them are:

Hydroquinone: for the use of this treatment, you must have a prescription from a dermatologist, because contraindications and side effects may occur.

Other topical substances such as Azelaic Acid and Alpha-Arbutin (precursor of Hydroquinone) are also used.

Additionally, I always recommend my patients take vitamin D3 of five thousand Units, a daily paste for a minimum period of three months.

It should be noted that if a pigment spot changes size, shape, color, or c