What is Melasma?

Melasma - also known as Chloasma - presents itself as a brown patch on the skin. There are no symptoms other than an obvious discolouration on areas of the face, which can be very awkward to cover with make-up.

Who gets Melasma?

It usually affects women and is related to a chemical imbalance in the skin, which occurs through hormonal changes. It can appear during or after pregnancy, in those who are taking oral contraceptives, or women taking hormone replacement therapy. Around 10% of men can suffer with this condition.

The usual age it appears is between 20 and 40.

Dark skin races - including Indians, Hispanics, Asians, people from the Middle East and Northern Africa - appear to suffer with Melasma the most.

What is the cause of Melasma?

Apart from hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy, etc, Melasma can occur due to direct ultraviolet sunlight. This is why people with dark skins who live in or travel frequently to hot countries can develop this condition.

It is the melonin or melanocytes in the skin which gives us colour, and when these are stimulated by hormones or intense sun exposure, they can appear as a brown patch on the skin.

The incidence of Melasma can also increase in those who suffer with thyroid problems or those who have an allergic reaction to medications.

What does the treatment involve?

Refer to Your Questions - About Melasma.

Derma Clinics recommends Phyto + from our skin product range - Skin Ceuticals or a skin peel/mask, such as SkinMedica. It is essential that you must bring along a letter from your doctor to confirm that you have Melasma.