Melasma is the overpigmentation of the skin which results in deep, dark-looking brown spots and splotches showing up on a person's face. Usually, these dark spots appear on the person's forehead, cheeks, bridge of the nose and upper lip in a somewhat symmetrical way. As for the causes of Melasma, they're most often associated with an overproduction of melanin, the substance in the skin that gives it its color. As for who gets it, the answer is mostly women, to the tune of 90% of all cases.
Genetic Causes Of Melasma
Genetics has been shown to play a major role in Melasma. Those with darker skin, especially those of African descent or individuals with tropical heritage are more susceptible to the ailment. What's more, as many as three out of every ten people who suffer from the ailment also have a family history. As more evidence that genes play a role in Melasma, usually when one identical twin gets it, the other will too.
Causes Of Melasma On The Hormonal Front
Female hormones in excess is yet another of the many causes of Melasma. This tends to be most pronounced in women who are either pregnant or taking birth control medication. In pregnant women, a hormone that stimulates the melanocytes called MSH is actually believed to be at higher levels in the third trimester, thus heightening Melasma risk.
Females taking birth control pills to disrupt hormone functions and those on hormone replacement therapy during and after menopause also have an increased amount of melanin in their bodies. In fact, progesterone, the hormone used in most HRT treatements, has been shown to be directly linked to Melasma in some women. Even men who undergo certain hormonal treatments for prostate cancer have shown an increased risk for Melasma.
A Few Other Causes Of Melasma
Since melanin is what creates the tanning effect in skin after UV exposure, too much sunlight for those prone to Melasma are more likely to see their condition worsen. That's precisely why those of African and tropical descent with darker skin have more flare-ups after being out in the sun. There are even some medications that have been pointed out as potential causes of Melasma. Dilantin is one of these Melasma causing drugs. Anti-malaria drugs, anti-seizure medications and even tetracycline have all been looked at as causes of Melasma as well. Those with thyroid conditions also produce excess melanin and the MSH hormone and are thusly at even greater risk for Melasma.
Genetic Causes Of Melasma
Genetics has been shown to play a major role in Melasma. Those with darker skin, especially those of African descent or individuals with tropical heritage are more susceptible to the ailment. What's more, as many as three out of every ten people who suffer from the ailment also have a family history. As more evidence that genes play a role in Melasma, usually when one identical twin gets it, the other will too.
Causes Of Melasma On The Hormonal Front
Female hormones in excess is yet another of the many causes of Melasma. This tends to be most pronounced in women who are either pregnant or taking birth control medication. In pregnant women, a hormone that stimulates the melanocytes called MSH is actually believed to be at higher levels in the third trimester, thus heightening Melasma risk.
Females taking birth control pills to disrupt hormone functions and those on hormone replacement therapy during and after menopause also have an increased amount of melanin in their bodies. In fact, progesterone, the hormone used in most HRT treatements, has been shown to be directly linked to Melasma in some women. Even men who undergo certain hormonal treatments for prostate cancer have shown an increased risk for Melasma.
A Few Other Causes Of Melasma
Since melanin is what creates the tanning effect in skin after UV exposure, too much sunlight for those prone to Melasma are more likely to see their condition worsen. That's precisely why those of African and tropical descent with darker skin have more flare-ups after being out in the sun. There are even some medications that have been pointed out as potential causes of Melasma. Dilantin is one of these Melasma causing drugs. Anti-malaria drugs, anti-seizure medications and even tetracycline have all been looked at as causes of Melasma as well. Those with thyroid conditions also produce excess melanin and the MSH hormone and are thusly at even greater risk for Melasma.
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I know that thare are quite a few causes of Melasma so let us also look at possible Melasma treatment today.
