Melasma – The Butterfly Shaped Pigmentation

Melasma is characterized by irregular, dark, hyper pigmented patches that occur symmetrically on both sides of the face.

It is typically found on the below areas

• Cheeks
• Forehead
• Bridge of the nose
• Above the upper lip
• Chin

As the pigmented patches resemble the shape of a butterfly, this condition is also referred to as the “The Butterfly Mask”. Rarely melasma may occur on other parts of body like neck and forearms.

While melasma can affect both men and women, it is primarily seen in women. It is found in the age group of 20 to 50 yrs. People with darker skin are more likely to get melasma because they have more active melanocytes than those with lighter skin. People with a family history are much more likely to get melasma.

Melasma is caused when the pigment-producing-cells called the melanocytes become overactive and secrete excess melanin. The excess melanin gets deposited in the outer layer of the skin causing the appearance of dark patches on the surface. It is caused by a varying combination of factors like –

Melasma could be triggered by hormonal changes like pregnancy, menopause and hormone replacement therapy. The pregnancy induced melasma is called chloasma or the mask of pregnancy and is largely caused due to high levels of progesterone. People suffering from thyroid disease or polycystic ovarian disease also have a greater chance of developing this condition.

People with a genetic predisposition are at an increased risk of developing melasma. Skin pigmentation is originally caused by the UV rays from the sun. Normally the skins natural protection is able to resist the UV rays, but as people grow older, the immunity of the body reduces. This makes it possible for the years of accumulated sun exposure to take its toll on the skin. When this happens, it causes some genetic mutations of the genes that are responsible for the formation of skin color melanin. The genetic mutation experienced in such people can be passed on to their offspring’s and the cycle continues.

Ultraviolet light from the sun stimulates the melanocytes. Even a minimal amount of sun exposure can make melasma relapse. Most people find their melasma worsening in summer.

Recent research has established a link between stress and melasma. Stress can activate the propriomelanocortrin gene that prompts the cells to produce more pigment.

Skin care products that irritate the skin may trigger or worsen melasma.

Melasma often has serious psychological effects on the persons self esteem. Some sufferers avoid social contacts with friends and family as they feel ashamed of their skin.

People with Melasma hold strong negative emotions about their condition, some feel disfigured and embarrassed. They become conscious while interacting with people as they feel that other people are focusing only on their skin. Emotional depression is common among those who have very severe Melasma or who have suffered for long periods of time. Some have a sense of hopelessness that their condition will never be cured.

Diagnosing Melasma – Melasma can be easily recognized by the characteristics of the pigmentation and its distribution on the face. A woods lamp examination is used to determine the depth or the number of layers that are affected by melasma.

Treating Melasma is not like treating just any other form of pigmentation. When it comes to treating Melasma, it is recommended to avoid overly-aggressive treatments. The common notion is that an acid peel or a laser therapy will just peel off the pigmentation from the skin surface leaving behind a fair and glowing skin. However, irritation due to procedures like chemical peels and derma-abrasions can only make Melasma worse. Melasma responds best to non-invasive methods.