Recognizing Melasme

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Melasme, a skin discoloration, is usually found on sun-exposed areas of the face. Although the condition can affect anyone, it is especially common in pregnant women, those taking oral contraceptives, and those taking hormone replacement therapy.

The condition is characterized by a uniform brown color seen over the cheeks, forehead, nose or upper lip. The discoloration is usually uniform on both sides of the face.

Bleaching creams can help fade melasme, and doctors may also recommend steroid creams or chemical peels. Use of daily sunscreen is the best way to avoid melasme, the hospital says.

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is there any preventive major for it?

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here's a little detailed information about it...
Alternate Names : Chloasma, Mask of Pregnancy, Pregnancy Mask

Definition
Melasme is a dark skin discoloration found on sun-exposed areas of the face.

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Melasma is a very common skin disorder. Though it can affect anyone, young women with brownish skin tones are at greatest risk.

Melasma is often associated with the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. It is especially common in pregnant women, women who are taking oral contraceptives ("the pill"), and women taking hormone replacement therapy during menopause.

Sun exposure is also a strong risk factor for melasma. It is particularly common in tropical climates.

Melasma Symptoms & Signs

Melasma doesn't cause any other symptoms besides skin discoloration but may be of great cosmetic concern.

A uniform brown color is usually seen over the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. It is most often symmetrical (matching on both sides of the face).

Melasma Prevention

Daily sunscreen use not only helps prevent melasma but is crucial in the prevention of skin cancer and wrinkles.

Melasma Diagnosis & Tests
Physician can usually diagnose melasma based upon the appearance of your skin. A closer examination using a Wood's lamp may help guide your treatment.

Melasma Treatment

A combination of tretinoin cream and a bleaching cream containing hydroquinone may be helpful in fading some types of melasma. Occasionally, chemical peels or topical steroid creams may be added as well. In severe cases, laser treatments can be used to remove the dark pigment.

Most importantly, however, sun avoidance and daily sunscreen use are key to avoiding melasma.

Melasma Prognosis
Melasma often fades over several months after stopping oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy or after delivering a child. It may return with additional pregnancies or use of these medications.

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Wood's Lamp

Alternate Names : Black Light Test, Ultraviolet Light Test

Definition
Wood's lamp is a test that is performed in a dark room where ultraviolet light is shined on the area of interest.

Why is the Test Performed?
To detect several conditions, including:

Pictures And Images


Wood's Lamp Illumination of the scalp

Wood's Lamp Illumination

Bacterial infections
Fungal infections
Porphyria
Pigmentary alterations

Normal Values
Normally your skin will not fluoresce, or shine, under the ultraviolet light.

Special Considerations

Do not wash before the test, because that may cause a false negative result. A room that is not dark enough may also alter results. Other materials may also glow. For example, some deodorants, make-ups, soaps, and even lint may be visible with the Wood's lamp.

Not all infections can be detected with the light. Some species of fungi and bacteria do not contain fluorescent chemicals.