Melasma is a skin condition in which brown patches occur primarily on the cheekbones, forehead and upper lip. It also may develop on the nose chin, lower cheeks and sides of the neck.

The dark patches usually have distinct edges. Melasma is seen most frequently in young women taking birth control pills and also occurs commonly during pregnancy. It may develop in association with menopause, hormonal imbalance and ovarian disorders. Melasma may also be triggered by a medication called Dilantin (phenytoin).

Other names of Melasma

Mask of pregnancy
chloasma
Pregnancy Mask

Symptoms of Melasma

The symptoms of melasma are dark, irregular patches commonly found on the upper cheek, nose, lips, and forehead. These patches often develop gradually over time. Melasma does not cause any other symptoms beyond the cosmetic discoloration.

Cause of Melasma

Pregnancy (mask of pregnancy) is the most common cause of melasma.
Women who are taking oral contraceptives are at risk of developing melasma.
Sunlight is a major factor in the development of melasma.

Treatment of Melasma

There are a few treatments that may help with the appearance of Melasma which include a combination of tretinoin cream and a bleaching cream that contains hydroquinone.

This may help to fade some types of Melasma. Your doctor may also have some prescriptions which may help such as chemical peels or tropical steroid creams. In severe cases, your physician may suggest laser treatments to remove the dark pigment from your skin. The use of sunscreen may also aid in the prevention of the skin becoming darker or spreading.

Topical treatment are available.

Sunscreens
Hydroquinone
Topical tretinoin
Topical steroids
Hydroquinone in combination
Glycolic acid
Azelaic acid

Home made Remedies

Orange : Oranges are very valuable in measles, as the digestive power of the body is seriously hampered. The patient suffers from intense toxemia and the lack of saliva coats his tongue and often destroys his thirst for water as well as his desire for food. The agreeable flavor of orange juice helps greatly in overcoming these drawbacks. Orange juice is the ideal liquid food for this disease.

Egg Plant Seeds: The seeds of the eggplant are a stimulant. Intake of half to one gram of these seeds daily for three days will help develop immunity against measles for one year.

Barley: The use of barley water has proved beneficial for the troublesome cough in measles. This water should be taken frequently, sweetened with the newly drawn oil of sweet almonds.

Lemon Juice: The juice of lemon also makes an effective thirst-quenching drink in measles. About 15 to 25 ml of lemon juice, diluted with water, should be taken for this purpose.