Author: Dr. Arita Mary John

A condition called melasma, also known as melancholy, is a skin condition that appears as brown or gray patches on the face. They appear on areas that are exposed to sunlight, such as the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, jawline, and upper lip. These areas of discoloration do not cause pain, itching, or other symptoms. They are more common in women over the age of 40 than in men. They are commonly called melancholy because of the superstition that such patches on the skin are a sign of impending bad times or illness. There is no basis for this thinking. The idea that these spots are a symptom of cancer or other diseases is also wrong.

Causes

Melasma is caused by cells called melanocytes producing too much melanin, which gives the skin its black color. Heredity is the main cause of this condition. Excessive exposure to sunlight, hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, thyroid hormone changes, certain medications such as birth control pills, epilepsy medications, and mental stress are all causes of melasma.

Treatments

Melasma is not a condition that will go away in a day or two. It requires proper treatment. Various skin lightening creams, chemical peels, and laser treatments are all treatment options. Sun exposure is a major cause of melasma, so it is very important to use sunscreen regularly. The possibility of melasma recurring can be controlled by using sunscreen properly.

Prevention methods

Use sunscreen properly as prescribed by your doctor according to the nature of your skin. Avoid exposure to sunlight between 11:30 am and 4:00 pm as much as possible. Use an umbrella when you have to go out in the sun. Even if you go out after applying sunscreen in the morning, reapply sunscreen after three hours. By doing all these things, you can prevent melasma to some extent.