There are spots or freckles on the face

What is melasma?

Melasma is a skin disorder in which spots appear on the face. With time, they sometimes become lighter and sometimes darker. Due to strong sunlight in summer, their color can also become darker. On the other hand, in winter, when there is less sunlight, they become lighter. The color of the spots becomes darker due to the ultraviolet rays present in the sun.

15% to 50% of women get melasma during pregnancy. It is also called the 'mask of pregnancy'. Melasma is more common in women. 90% of its total cases are women, while the number of men is only 10%.

Usually this problem goes away with time. However, in some cases it can last for a long time.

How many types of melasma are there?

There are three types of melasma. It is determined based on the depth of the rash in the skin. Doctors use black light to determine its depth. This shows how deep the pigmentation is in the skin. 

Epidermal melasma- It causes dark brown spots on the skin. It looks completely different from the surrounding skin. In such a situation, it can be easily identified. It gets cured quickly through medicines.

Dermal- In this, light brown or blue spots appear on the skin. The edges of these spots are joined to the normal skin. In such a situation, it is difficult to identify it. It is difficult to see it even in black light. It is a bit difficult to cure it with medicines and therapy.

Mixed melasma- This is the most common of the three. It has both blue and brown rashes. The effect of medicines on it is slow.

What are the early symptoms of melasma?

If you notice a sudden change in the colour of any part of the skin, be alert. The initial symptom of melasma is that brown, blue spots start appearing on the skin. It can be of any size, small or big. Sometimes it spreads over the entire face or remains limited to a particular part.

Why does melasma occur?

Melasma is caused by staying in the sun for a long time. It occurs more in summer. In the summer season, the melanin pigment on the face increases and spots on the face become more visible.

Consuming too many contraceptives causes hormonal changes in the body of women, which causes melasma. Also, hormone replacement therapy, use of steroids and excessive intake of antibiotics can also cause melasma.

Which part of the body has the highest chance of getting melasma?

Although melasma is more commonly found on the face, it can also occur on the neck or shoulders. It can even occur on any part of the body exposed to sunlight.

Is there any home remedy for melasma?

You can adopt many home remedies to treat melasma. Many home remedies like lemon juice, turmeric and aloe vera gel can help in getting rid of melasma

Lemon- Lemon is acidic, which helps in reducing blemishes. Apply it on the melasma spots and leave it for a while. After this, wash it with lukewarm water.

Apple cider vinegar- Mix a little water in one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and apply it on the area affected by melasma. After this, let it dry for a while and then wash it with lukewarm water.

Turmeric- Turmeric has antioxidant properties. Mix one teaspoon of turmeric with two teaspoons of milk and apply it on the face. Wash it with lukewarm water after 15 minutes.

Aloe Vera- Aloe vera gel contains polysaccharide, which is helpful in removing melasma marks. Massage aloe vera gel on the melasma marks with fingertips and then wash the face after some time.

Papaya- Make a paste of ripe papaya and massage it on the melasma affected area and wash it after some time. Regular use can fade the melasma marks.

Green Tea- Green tea extract can reduce pigmentation. Mix it in lukewarm water, then apply it on the face after it cools down. This can help in reducing melasma spots.

Common questions and answers related to melasma

Which people are at higher risk of melasma?

Melasma can happen to anyone. However, women are at a higher risk during pregnancy. People who work for long hours in sunlight are also at a higher risk.

Why do the chances of getting melasma increase during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, many hormonal changes occur in the body of women. The level of hormones like estrogen and progesterone increases, which can also increase the production of melanin. Excessive secretion of melanin can cause melasma.

Can melasma also be cancerous?

No, melasma is not cancerous nor is it a symptom of cancer. However, some cancers can look like melasma. In such a case, consult a doctor.

Once melasma occurs, can it be incurable or will the scars on the face remain permanent?

No, it is not necessary. Melasma gets cured on its own. However, there are some cases when it persists for a long time. In such a case, treatment and protection from the sun is required.

When is it necessary to see a doctor when symptoms like melasma appear?

If symptoms like melasma appear, you should consult a doctor immediately. After examination, the doctor can tell whether it is melasma or some other serious disease.