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Melasma

Hormonal Pigmentation


Hormonal pigmentation can come on quite suddenly. Most people suffering from this condition will suddenly notice patches that are darker than the surrounding skin.

The most common type of hormonal pigmentation is Melasma. I will describe this in more detail in another post.

The second most common type of hormonal pigmentation is the kind induced by conditions like PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome) and Diabetes Mellitus. Also, some men and women will notice hormonal pigmentation after puberty. This type of pigmentation usually manifests on the back of legs and/or underarms. This is more common in some races and quite unusual in others. Other rarer forms of hormonal pigmentation includes those found in people suffering from Addison’s disease and Acanthosis Nigricans. Sudden darkening could also be caused by Arsenic poisoning.

Hormonal pigmentation requires constant lightening and simultaneous treatment of internal conditions if there are any present. With persistance and a disciplined regime, it is possible to even out even the toughest areas of pigmentation.

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Melasma or Pregnancy Mask

Melasma, commonly known as the mask of pregnancy affects women of child bearing age. Common factors that can trigger melasma in women include puberty, use of contraceptive pills or other hormonal birth control methods and of course, pregnancy. This type of pigmentation typically only affects the face and sometimes, the neck. Dark pigment appears in patches all over the face or over the eyes and cheeks giving a characteristic mask like appearance.

Melasma does not cause any health problems but can be very distressing to the women suffering from it. A number of treatments exist, however, care must be taken to treat skin gently, as melasma hyperpigmentation can be very reactive and can quickly worsen or spread. Use of chemical lighteners should also be avoided to prevent other skin complications. The best bet would be a long term treatment plan consisting of all natural lightening agents and the careful use of a sun block.

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