Treatment for Melasma
January 18, 2010
Melasma is a type of skin disorder that develops on forehead, cheeks and nose. This skin discoloration appears as dark brown or grayish patches. Although melasma is not a serious skin problem, nonetheless it could ruin the appearance of the person affected by it.Causes of melasma
Several factors can contribute to melasma. Women with brown skin are most susceptible to this condition. The female hormones might play a role in developing melasma. Often melasma becomes prominent during pregnancy.
Women undergoing hormone replacement therapy during menopause could develop melasma. This skin discoloration often develops due to consumption of contraceptive pills. Prolonged exposure to sunlight could even trigger formation of skin pigmentations such as melasma.
Symptoms of melasma
In melasma, the brown patch usually develops symmetrically on both sides of the face. The discoloration becomes lighter during winter, and it becomes prominent in the summer months.
Melasma treatment
Melasma that develops due to hormonal changes often heals naturally when the hormonal level returns to the normal level. In women, melasma fades after childbirth. If you stop taking contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy, the brown patches would fade within a few months. Usually dermatologists prescribe topical creams for treating melasma.
Chemical peels are also effective in removing the patches. It is advisable to avoid bleaching creams for treating melasma. You should use steroid based topical creams only when advised by your doctor. Applying a powerful sun screen could help to fade the discolored patch. People prone to melasma from exposure to sunlight should regularly apply a sun block before going outdoors in the day. Apple cider vinegar is effective in fading the melasma patches.
You should apply apple cider vinegar diluted with water on the affected area two to three times a day. Regular use of apple cider vinegar could lighten the patches. You can even apply fresh lemon juice on the melasma patches. Onion juice can also help to fade the discolored areas of the facial skin. You can even consider blending apple cider vinegar with onion or lemon juice and apply it on the affected areas. Coco butter is an effective remedy for melasma.
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