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Friday, July 1, 2011

DO THOSE DARK SPOTS ON YOUR FACE BOTHER YOU???


Melasma Treatment and Cure

(MASK OF PREGNANCY)

         Melasma is a common ailment affecting females causing brown discolouration of skin of the face. It is exacerbated by sun exposure, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and certain anti-epilepsy drugs. Sun exposure would appear to be a stimulating factor in predisposed individuals. Although a few cases within families have been described, melasma should not be considered a heritable disorder.

        Melasma is common, especially in women of child-bearing age. Melasma is more apparent during and after periods of sun exposure and less obvious in winter months, when sun exposure is lacking. Melasma is the most common pigmentary disorder among Indians.

        Melasma most commonly presents itself over the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose, and chin. Melasma also occurs on the forearms, but this is rare.

        Melasma is curable. Persistence on the part of the plastic surgeon and patience on the part of the patient is a sure remedy for cure. Successful treatment of melasma involves three pronged approach: SUNBLOCKS, BLEACH AND TIME.

1.       Sunscreen, however, is the most important factor. Without daily use of opaque sunscreen, treatment will fail (a broad-spectrum formulation with an SPF over 30 plus cover up is necessary).

2.       Bleaching preparations include 2 or 4% hydroqyinone containing creams or gels and 3% hydroquinone solution hasten the recovery of skin.

3.       Time for your body to adjust to the treatment and trust on your doctor are as vital as the other two modalities.

4.       Laser therapy with Intense Pulsed Light and to some extent Nd:YAG lasers are helpful in early return of normal colour of skin..


        It takes approximately 2 months to initiate response and up to 6 months to complete the process. Once epidermal melasma is cleared, the hydroquinone and tretinoin should be discontinued; But the  sunscreen should be continued through at least one summer season to reduce the risk of recurrence. Often, melasma will slowly resolve following childbirth or upon discontinued use of oral contraceptives.

        In all of these treatments the effects are gradual and a strict avoidance of sunlight is required. This is because UV-A, UV-B and visible lights are all capable of stimulating pigment production.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT:

DR. ASHISH GUPTA
ASSOCIATE CONSULTANT
SPS APOLLO HOSPITAL,
LUDHIANA
(M): +91-9779771111

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