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| Melasma is a skin condition in which patches of brown or tan discoloration appear on the forehead, cheeks, lips, nose or forearms as a result of the body’s sudden overproduction of pigment. Sometimes called the "mask of pregnancy," melasma can afflict anyone, but is most often triggered in women - especially during the hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy, oral contraceptive use or hormone replacement therapy. | |||
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Even when harmless, these blotchy brownish patches pose a tough cosmetic challenge that can make us look and feel much older than our years. Melasma affects an estimated six million people in the US alone. Though not dangerous, the condition can cause embarrassment and undermine self-confidence. Sun exposure contributes to melasma. Ultraviolet light from the sun, and even very strong light from light bulbs, can stimulate pigment-producing cells, or melanocytes in the skin. People with skin of color have more active melanocytes than those with light skin. These melanocytes produce a large amount of pigment under normal conditions, but this production increases even further when stimulated by light exposure or an increase in hormone levels. Incidental exposure to the sun is mainly the reason for recurrences of melasma. Any irritation of the skin may cause an increase in pigmentation in dark-skinned individuals, which may also worsen melasma. Melasma is not associated with any internal diseases or organ malfunction. |
What are you waiting for? Contact The Laser Vein Center of Fairbanks today! 907-452-VEIN (8346)
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| Melasma may disappear after pregnancy, it may remain for many years, or a lifetime. While there is no cure for melasma, many treatments have been developed and are successful at minimizing the discoloration. Remember, melasma will worsen with exposure to the sun. Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen to prevent further discoloring by the sun.
At the Laser Vein Center, we can treat melasma using the Fraxel laser. |
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| Skin discoloration before and after treated using Fraxel laser treatments. Photos courtesy of Howard Conn, M.D. Click here to view more before and after images. |  |
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