Dermatology
Hormonal patches or melasma
Melasma, formerly known as chloasma, is a chronic pigmentary skin disease that affects people with darker skin types (usually Fitzpatrick phototypes III-IV). It is most commonly seen in women. It presents in the form of dark, reticulated and symmetrical patches, usually affecting the forehead, cheeks and upper lip area. This disease has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients who suffer from it.
Frequently asked questions
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Melasma is a complex disease resulting from a complex interaction between melanocytes in the epidermis (which are unevenly distributed), keratinocytes, vascular endothelial cells and the influence of hormones, genetics and ultraviolet radiation. Findings observed in skin biopsies indicate that this is a skin disorder that occurs as a result of photo-ageing.
Sun exposure and oestrogenic hormonal influence are considered to be the most important determinants for the development of melasma.
The treatment of melasma is usually complex and not curative, although with the right combination of tools we can achieve significant and long-term improvements. The best results are seen with a combination of treatments, and the choice of treatment will depend on the characteristics of the lesion, the type of skin, previous treatments and the patient’s preferences.
The tools available to treat melasma can be found at this link.
Melasma is a chronic disease that can be controlled very satisfactorily with a combination of the treatments mentioned above. However, we cannot consider a definitive cure as, by nature, it has a tendency to recur. Skin care and the selection of the most appropriate treatments for each patient are key to achieving adequate control and to attenuating its appearance.
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