What is melasma and how to prevent spot formation?

*This text has been written based on the information received from health institutions and organizations, hospitals and health professionals. If you or someone you know has any of the symptoms described here, our recommendation is to see a doctor as soon as possible.

HE IS melasma It is a skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing brownish, dark and bluish-gray patches on the skin. The problem may be in different people, but it is more common in women and its occurrence depends on different reasons.

According to the information provided by the Brazilian Dermatology Association (SBD), the number of melasma cases in Brazil is approximately 35% more in women than in men. Because one of the factors that causes melasma is overexposure to the sun, dermatologists recommend that people increase their skincare during the summer months – the season starts on December 21 and runs until March 20, 2023.

What is melasma?

Also known as chloasma, melasma is a common condition that tends to affect areas of the face mainly such as the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. In some cases, the disease can also affect the neck, arms, back and other sun-exposed areas. The spots are irregularly shaped, but usually the same on both sides.

According to SBD, There is no identified cause for melasma to occur, but one of the biggest factors is excessive sun exposure.. However, the condition is also associated with different hormonal factors, genetic predisposition, pregnancy and female contraceptive use.

Fair-skinned people are less likely to suffer from melasma, while dark-skinned people who tend to tan, produce more melanin and are more likely to develop the condition. The formation of melasma and worsening of blemishes may increase during the summer months, precisely because of the sun.

Some other causes of the appearance of melasma are:

• Genetic;
• Anti-epileptic drugs;
• Estrogen;
• hypothyroidism;
• Makeup supplies;
• skin products;
• phototoxic drugs;
• Tanning with ultraviolet light.

“Exposure to ultraviolet light stimulates the appearance of blemishes, even if you have not been exposed to the affected area, such as the face. Dermatologist Fátima Tubini said sun exposure makes melasma worse by stimulating two hormones called MSH and ACTH, which act on the melanocyte, the cell that produces color and produces more pigment. Mine Condition.

Is melasma a type of cancer?

Although many people are confused, melasma is not a type of cancer, nor is it a problem that will turn into cancer. However, it is very important to note that some types of cancer can be confused with melasma, so it is always important to consult a dermatologist or specialist doctor for a correct diagnosis.

It is also important to note that the summer months are the most common time for skin cancer to appear due to excessive sun exposure. In other words, it is a period when people should pay twice as much attention to skin care in order to protect themselves from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Treatment and prevention

As stated by the Brazilian Dermatology Association, the greatest protection for melasma is protection against ultraviolet light from the sun. So the use of sunscreen is important even on cloudy and rainy days – filters with ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) protection are best.

However, people who already have blemishes should associate general sunscreen use with a physical filter that can protect against visible light. The use of sunglasses, beanies, umbrellas and hats can be helpful during daily protection, especially for those who already have melasma, as the area should not be exposed to the sun.

Doctors may prescribe the use of topical medications for people diagnosed with melasma and even some whitening procedures such as peels and light or laser applications. There is no cure for melasma, although it helps to whiten, stabilize and prevent the pigment from returning.

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