Melasma is not a lifelong condition and can be effectively treated with the right approach and melasma treatment. Read this article to know more about the reasons behind it and how it can be treated with various available options.
Melasma Treatment: An Overview
Melasma is a skin condition that can cause patches and spots on the face. It is a common skin disorder that occurs due to various factors, such as genetics, hormonal changes, environmental triggers, and lifestyle choices. Melasma is more common in women than men and typically develops after pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Although it can also be triggered by other factors, such as sun exposure and genetic predisposition.
The most prominent location where melisma occurs is on the face, but it is also seen in other areas such as the cheeks, chin, forehead, nose, and jawline.
There are mainly three different types of melasma: epidermal, which appears as a dark brown colour; dermal, which has a light brown or bluish colour, and mixed melasma, which has both bluish and brown patches.
What Are the Symptoms of Melasma?
People dealing with melasma experience signs and symptoms such as irregular brownish patches on the skin that can vary in shape and size. It can occur on both sides of the face and may also cover a large area. Melasma can also occur on other sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the neck and forearms, and is more noticeable in one area or another.
Causes of Melasma
The exact cause of melasma is not fully understood, but there are several factors that contribute to the development of this skin condition.
- Hormonal Changes
Changes in the levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone play an important role in the development of melasma in some people.
- Sun Exposure
Too much exposure of your skin to the sun can also lead to melasma, as the ultraviolet rays can stimulate the production of melanin. The patches of melasma often darken when exposed to sunlight.
- Genetics
Melasma can also occur because of genetic factors. Individuals with a family history of melasma are at a high risk of developing the skin condition in them.
- Cosmetic Products
Various skin care products contain ingredients that may irritate the skin and can lead to skin conditions such as melasma.
- Pregnancy
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can also lead to the occurrence of melasma.
Melasma Treatment Options
According to Ayurveda, melasma is believed to be caused by an imbalance in the body’s doshas, such as the Pitta dosha. Imbalance in the pitta dosha can occur due to several factors, such as excessive sun exposure, spicy foods, heat, and stress. Let’s delve into treatment options for melasma that can rebalance the doshas and promote good skin health.
- Herbal Remedies
Herbs like aloe vera, turmeric, neem, and sandalwood can help in treating skin conditions such as melasma. These herbs, when applied to the affected area, have a cooling and soothing effect on the skin. They can be used in the form of creams or oils, however, it is essential to consult a doctor before using anything on your skin.
- Therapies
One of the treatment options for treating melasma is therapies that are done under the supervision of a qualified doctor. Therapies such as Abhyanga and Nasya Karma provide beneficial results in reducing melasma.
In Abhyanga, your face and body get massaged with medicinal oils that can help pacify your elevated doshas. During Nasya Karma, herbal nasal drops are used to eliminate toxins from facial tissues through oral and nasal routes.
- Dietary Modifications
By including certain dietary changes, you can improve skin health and reduce the pigmentation associated with melasma.
You can have fresh fruits, whole grains, and herbal teas in your diet, while oil, spicy, and acidic foods should be avoided.
CONCLUSION
Melasma isn’t a serious skin condition, but it can affect a person’s self-esteem and quality of life. With the right treatment and approach, it can be easily managed and cured. Therefore, it is essential to consult Ayursparsh Clinic & Panchakarma Center, a renowned wellness clinic in Dharwad, Karnataka, for treating various skin conditions like Melasma.
To get a personalised treatment plan according to your specific skin condition, you can reach out to Dr. Rashmi C. Patil, MD (Ayu).
