What is melasma? Causes, symptoms and treatment methods
What is Melasma? Melasma is a common skin condition that affects many people, especially women. It appears as dark brown or black patches on the face, commonly found on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, and jawline.
Table of Contents
Causes of melasma It is caused by many factors as follows:
- Sun exposure: The primary cause of melasma. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces melanin to protect itself. However, excessive sun exposure leads to uneven melanin distribution, resulting in melasma.
- Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones, such as during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or using birth control pills, can trigger melasma.
- Genetics: People with a family history of melasma are more likely to develop it.
- Stress: Stress can affect the hormonal system and contribute to melasma.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, tranquilizers, and diuretics, can potentially cause melasma.
Symptoms of Melasma:
- Dark brown or black patches on the face
- Commonly appears on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, and jawline
- Patches may have well-defined or diffused borders
- The color and intensity of melasma can vary depending on factors like sun exposure and hormonal changes
Prevention of melasma
- Use higher sunscreen daily SPF 30 at least.
- Limit sun exposure, especially between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
- Wear hats, umbrellas, and long-sleeved clothing to shield the skin from the sun.
- Use products containing vitamin C and vitamin E.
- Include foods rich in antioxidants in your diet.
- Get enough sleep and rest.
- Practice stress-reducing techniques.
Melasma: A Persistent Skin Condition
ฝ้า เป็นปัญหาผิวที่สร้างความกังวลให้กับผู้คนจำนวนมาก โดยเฉพาะผู้หญิง แม้จะรักษาให้หายขาดได้ยาก แต่สามารถลดเลือนรอยฝ้า และป้องกันการเกิดฝ้าใหม่ได้ บทความนี้ จะช่วยให้คุณเข้าใจฝ้ามากขึ้น
Types of Melasma:
Melasma can be divided into 3 types as follows:
- Epidermal melasma: Occurs in the epidermis, has a dark brown color, and well-defined borders. It responds well to treatment.
- Dermal melasma: Occurs in the dermis, has a light brown color, and diffused borders. It is more challenging to treat.
- Mixed melasma: A combination of epidermal and dermal melasma.
Factors that Trigger Melasma:
- Sun exposure: The primary factor, sunlight stimulates melanocytes to produce more melanin.
- Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones, such as during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or using birth control pills, can trigger melasma.
- Genetics: People with a family history of melasma are more likely to develop it.
- Stress: Stress can affect the hormonal system and contribute to melasma.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, tranquilizers, and diuretics, can potentially cause melasma.
Impacts of Melasma:
- Self-confidence:
Melasma can affect self-confidence due to its dark appearance. It can impact a person's self-image. - Relationships:
Melasma can affect relationships due to its impact on self-image, making people feel uncomfortable or insecure in social interactions. - Mental health:
Melasma can have a negative impact on one's mental health, causing anxiety or despair as a result of dissatisfaction with their look. It can have both immediate and long-term consequences on mental health.
Conclusion
การดูแลรักษาฝ้าไม่เพียงแต่ทำให้ภาพลักษณ์ดีขึ้นเท่านั้น แต่ยังมีผลดีต่อความมั่นใจ ความสัมพันธ์ และสุขภาพจิตของคนเป็นฝ้าได้ทั้งหมด
Problems
If these problems are what you've experienced
- Laser burns
- Using skin whitening creams containing chemicals, steroids, hydroquinone, and mercury
- Melasma injections that burned your face
- Hormonal melasma from birth control pills, injections, and all kinds of female hormone medications
- Working in front of a computer screen or heat source
- Working outdoors or being exposed to the sun without proper protection