
Mahim, Mumbai (Mon - Sat : 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm)
MEDICAL CONCERNS
INFECTION (NAIL FUNGAL)
MELASMA / FRECKLES

About Melasma :
Melasma also called chloasma, or the “mask of pregnancy,” is a very common patchy brown, tan, or blue-gray facial skin discoloration, usually seen in women in the reproductive years
Presentation :
Common signs (what you see) of melasma are brown or gray-brown patches on the face. These patches most commonly appear on the:
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Cheeks.
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Forehead.
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Bridge of the nose.
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Above the upper lip.
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Chin.
Some people get patches on their forearms or neck. This is less common.
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People with darker skin are more likely to get melasma.
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People who have a blood relative who had melasma also are much more likely to get melasma.
Types :
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The epidermal type is identified by the presence of excess melanin in the superficial layers of skin.
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Dermal melasma is distinguished by the presence of melanophages (cells that ingest melanin) throughout the dermis.
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The mixed type includes both the epidermal and dermal type.
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In the fourth type, excess melanocytes are present in the skin of dark-skinned individuals.
Cause :
The exact cause of melasma remains unknown. It likely occurs when the color-making cells in the skin (melanocytes) produce too much colour.
Common melasma triggers (what starts it) include:
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Sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun stimulates the melanocytes. In fact, just a small amount of sun exposure can make melasma return after fading. It also is the main reason why many people with melasma get it again and again.
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A change in hormones such as in pregnancy. Birth control pills and hormone replacement (HRT and progesterone) medicine also can trigger melasma.
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Skin care products: If a product irritates your skin, melasma can worsen.
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Antiseizure medications, and other medications.
MELASMA: Tips for Managing
If you have Melasma, these are the tips for achieving a more even skin tone:
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Wear sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days and after swimming or sweating. Choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or more, and zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide to physically limit the effects of the sun’s rays on your skin. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside and reapply at least every two hours.
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Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when you’re outside
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Choose gentle skin care products that don’t sting or burn, as products that irritate the skin may worsen melasma.
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Avoid waxing areas of the body affected by the condition.