Chloasma, or melasma, causes dark brown patches on the face and is often caused by changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. Treatment options include topical creams, chemical peels, and lasers, while prevention measures include limiting sun exposure and using sunscreen.
Chloasma, also commonly referred to as melasma, is a skin condition that occurs primarily on the face. It causes dark brown discoloration, mostly in small patches on the face. The condition is not necessarily dangerous, but it can be treated for cosmetic purposes.
Estrogen and progesterone, two female sex hormones, are thought to be a major cause of chloasma. Changes in the hormones estrogen and progesterone increase a woman’s likelihood of developing the skin condition. These hormone level changes can be the result of pregnancy, oral contraceptives, or hormone replacement therapy for women after menopause. The condition does not only occur in women but can affect men as well. When female hormone levels aren’t the culprit for the skin condition, excessive sun exposure is thought to be the cause.
The main symptom of chloasma is dark brown spots or patches on the skin of the face. It tends to most often develop on the forehead, nose, cheeks, or above the upper lip. When dark brown areas occur on the face, it is usually symmetrical and appears nearly identical on both sides of the face. The discoloration isn’t a health issue, but it can make a person feel self-conscious about their appearance.
There are several chloasma treatment options to reduce or get rid of the dark brown pigmentation on the skin of the face. If the condition is a result of pregnancy, it usually goes away without treatment after the woman has given birth. For other mild cases of the skin condition, prescribed topical creams that contain kojic acid, azelaic acid, tretinoin, or certain steroids, which may be able to lighten parts of the skin. Chemical peels, a skin care treatment done in spas or salons that uses the application of chemicals to remove outer skin cells, can also be used to reduce dark skin spots. Lasers can also be implemented to remove dark skin pigment, but it’s a serious and expensive procedure that’s typically only recommended if other treatment options haven’t worked.
Certain measures can be taken to help prevent chloasma or keep it from getting worse or from recurring. People who know they are at risk for the condition, such as pregnant or menopausal women, women taking birth control pills, or people who live in tropical climates, can try to limit their sun exposure. When out in the sun, they can wear light clothing, hats, and use sunscreens with a high sun protection factor (SPF).
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