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Skin Disorders (Home) > Melasma If brown patches appear on sun-exposed areas of your skin, you may suffer from a common skin disorder known as melasma. Frequently referred to as the “mask of pregnancy,” melasma can affect the skin quality of men and women. Patient Profile Melasma tends to strike pregnant women, menopausal women, and women who use oral birth control. Although the majority of its victims are female, melasma can affect men. Some victims of melasma are genetically predisposed to development of this affliction. However, melasma can erupt following a hormonal imbalance, or excessive exposure to the harmful rays of the sun. Diagnosis The structure of the skin must be examined in order to diagnose melasma. Melasma can also be detected with a skin biopsy. Effects of Melasma Patients who suffer from melasma notice brown patches on the surface of the skin. These patches are darker than skin in the surrounding area. The irregularly shaped patches emerge on the upper lip, lower cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. Melasma and skin It is important to recognize that skin, like any other organ, is a complex structure. The skin is composed of three main layers known as the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Together, these layers protect the body from elements outside of the human body. The Epidermis The external layer of skin is the epidermis. It is composed of five layers that vary in thickness. The epidermis controls the body’s pigmentation. In addition, the epidermis is designed to rejuvenate itself quite frequently. Within 28-30 days, the rejuvenation process will enable the epidermis to replace all of its skin cells. The Dermis The dermis lies beneath the epidermis. This layer of skin contains collagen and elastin, which provide skin with elasticity. Subcutaneous Tissue The third layer of skin regulates the temperature of the skin. As its name suggests, this layer of skin is composed of subcutaneous tissue. This tissue is a layer of fat and connective tissues that support nerves and blood vessels. Treatment of Melasma Practitioners of dermatology are trained to treat melasma, as well as other disorders of the skin. All dermatologists have received special training in order to diagnose and treat skin disorders. Effects of Melasma Although melasma is not contagious, it is incurable and may worsen with time. Melasma can affect one or all layers of the skin. However, its physical effects are likely to be most visible in the epidermal layer of skin. Avoiding Melasma
Treatment
Summary Melasma is a common skin affliction that affects more men than women. Despite genetic tendencies, all individuals may reduce their risk level by employing simple techniques that limit the body’s exposure to the sun. Dermatologists may also employ a range of clinical techniques that will limit the development of melasma.
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