Medical Skin Care: Treating Melasma

Suffering from unwanted skin conditions can be quite challenging since the skin is the most visible organ on the body. There are a number of treatment options to help remove the problem, some of which are considered to be minimally invasive and others which are more invasive. It is always a good idea to explore what options are available prior to committing to one treatment.

For some women, suffering from melasma is a fact of life, especially during pregnancy. The skin disorder can be heredity and/or linked to the production of hormones, which are especially active during pregnancy. The skin condition can also affect women who are not pregnant however and men as well. There are a number of ways to seek out treatment, and finding a dermatologist who you trust is a great way to start that treatment. There are a number of different treatment options and those include removing the problem areas slowly with creams and gels, facial chemical peels, laser rejuvenation, and other more recent technologies. Some of the technology that is hitting the skin care scene is the ipl fotofacial treatment which involves the use of an intense pulsed light which is helps to lighten the skin. This leads to lightened skin gradually and usually involves more than one treatment.

Most treatments for melasma involve minimally invasive treatments which offer a more gradual result. Melasma is considered a harmless yet potentially unsightly side effect of hormonal changes. It can be exasperated by prolonged sun exposure and during certain hormonal shifts. It is by no means only a symptom of pregnant women. Men and non pregnant women can acquire the skin condition. It is most often hereditary so if a family member was diagnosed, it is possible that it will flare up for a relative. The condition is also spontaneous in its ability to flare up and disappear on its own accord. Treatments are not necessarily permanent and some patients will have to have repeat treatments if they wish to have it removed over time.

There are benefits and risks which are associated with the treatment of melasma and some may find that it is best to simply cover the marks up with effective cosmetics rather than seek treatment. Some of the over the counter creams with acids and skin lighteners such as hydroquinone are effective at removing the marks but may need to be used habitually and this sort of use can have an adverse effect on the skin. It is therefore always a great idea to seek out information regarding the treatment option in question. Since the marks of melasma usually affect the skin on the face, it is usually a cosmetic issue and many will seek out treatments which help to remove the problem. Yet it is important to note that the facial skin is even more noticeable and any potential treatment options run a greater risk of causing unsightly skin damage which is unwanted. For this reason, understanding the benefits and risks of all treatments is best.

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