A typical acquired skin condition called melasma manifests as brownish facial pigmentation that is bilateral and blotchy in appearance.
The term melasma (brown skin) is preferred to the previous name of this type of facial pigmentation, chloasma, which comes from the Greek and means “to turn green.” It was also known as the “mask of pregnancy.”
The onset of melasma typically occurs between the ages of 20 and 40, and it is more common in women than in men. Melasma is more prevalent in people who tan easily or have naturally brown skin; it is less prevalent in those who have fair skin or those who are black.
Since it is so noticeable, melasma can significantly lower quality of life.
Causes
Complex factors have been proposed as melasma’s causes, including
In people with a genetic predisposition to photoaging disorder
Dermal melanosis and melanophages are a result of melanocytes producing too much melanin, which is then either deposited in the dermis or taken up by keratinocytes (epidermal melanosis).
Melasma development has been linked to a number of factors, including:
60% of people report having affected relatives.
UV and visible light from the sun encourage the production of melanin.
Hormones: One-quarter of the women who are affected have a hormonal component, including pregnancy, the use of oestrogen/progesterone-containing oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, implants, and hormone replacement therapy. Thyroid conditions can also be linked to melasma.
Prescription drugs and scented goods: Melasma can be brought on by phototoxic reactions from perfumed soaps, toiletries, and cosmetics, as well as new targeted cancer therapies.
In order to promote melanocyte activation, researchers are looking into the functions of stem cells, neural cells, vascular systems, and regional hormonal factors.
Symptoms
The forehead, temples, cheeks, or area above the upper lip may develop brownish patches of skin.
Depending on the amount of increased melanin in the skin, melasma can be classified as epidermal, dermal, or mixed.
Epidermal melasma:What constitutes epidermal melasma?
· Border: well, defined.
· Color: dark brown.
Lamp made of wood: more blatant.
Dermoscopy: Brown reticular islands with fine, dark granules are dispersed throughout the skin.
Usually responds well to treatment.
Dermal melasma:What constitutes a dermal melasma?
· Border: Ill-defined.
Color ranges from pale brown to blue-grey.
· Wood lamp: No accentuation.
Dermoscopy: arciform structures, telangiectasia, and reticuloglobular pattern.
Treatment: Typically shows little improvement.
Mixed melasma:The most frequent type is mixed melasma, which is characterized by:
Combination of light and dark brown, blue-grey, and other colors.
· Wood lamp: Mixed patterns.
· Dermatoscopy: Mixed patterns.
Treatment: Typically exhibits a degree of improvement.
HOMEOPATHY MEDICINES
There are many effective medicines available in homoeopathy for treating melasma, but the choice depends on the patient’s individuality, taking into account the mental and physical symptomatology. Homoeopathy is a growing system that is currently practiced throughout the world. Its strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual by promoting inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical levels.
ARGENTUM NITRICUM
The skin is brown, tense, and hard with erratic blotches, and the face has an old, sunken, pale, and bluish appearance.
CADMIUM SULPHURATUM
Melasma with brown to yellowish stains on the cheeks and nose, itching of the face, and a color that worsens in the presence of wind and sunlight.
CAULOPHYLLUM THALICTROIDES
Skin discoloration in females with uterine and menstrual disorders, moth spots on the forehead associated with leucorrhea, and hot, dry skin.
COPAIVA OFFICINALIS
The face has brown spots, there are lenticular patches that are defined and itchy, and it looks mottled.
LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM
Blue circles around the eyes, a grayish-yellow discoloration of the face, a flatulent abdomen, a copper-colored eruption on the face with melasma, especially in men, and a withered, shriveled appearance.
PLUMBUM METALLICUM
Melasma, sunken cheeks, greasy, shiny skin on the face, and yellow, corpse-like spots. The face is pale and emaciated.
PHOSPHORUS
Burning heat and redness of cheeks, blue rings under the eyes, a melasma with circumscribed redness in one or both cheeks, a pale, sickly complexion, a hippocratic expression, and a craving for iced coffee and chocolate.
SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS
Red blotchy eruptions, which are worse in the spring, cheek redness and burning, and circumscribed red spots over the malar bones.
SEPIA
Lentigo in young women, facial discoloration during pregnancy, after childbirth, and menopause, dark circles under the eyes, and saddle-like yellow discoloration on the nose and cheeks.
SULPHUR
Skin is unhealthy, dry, rough, and dirty. Skin pigmentation occurs after local medications. The face has an aged, spotted appearance. It is best suited to filthy, unclean people who are prone to skin conditions.
THUJA OCCIDENTALIS
Skin appears to be dirty, dry, hairy, and has brown spots. It is pale, waxy, shiny, and dark under the eyes.
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