Melasma: Why It Happens?
Characterized by deep, dark spots on a person’s face, Melasma is simply the overpigmentation of the skin. Usually, these dark spots appear on the person’s forehead, cheeks, bridge of the nose and upper lip in a somewhat symmetrical way. The causes of Melasma are associated with the overproduction of melanin, the substance that creates a skin’s overall pigmentation. As for who gets it, the answer is mostly women, to the tune of 90% of all cases. I know that thare are quite a few causes of Melasma and I think that the following are the more popular reasons.
Various Genetic Causes Of Melasma
A person’s genetic makeup has been proven to be one of the most significant causes of Melasma. Individuals who have darker skin, such as those from African or tropical descent, tend to have a heightened risk for Melasma. What’s more, as many as three out of every ten people who suffer from the ailment also have a family history. To further show that genetics plays a role, when one identical twin develops the skin problem, more often than not, the other will too.
Causes Of Melasma On The Hormonal Front
Another major contributing factor to the development of Melasma is an overabundance of female hormones. Women on birth control or who are pregnant tend to see this as the cause of their Melasma condition. In pregnant women, a hormone that stimulates the melanocytes called MSH is actually believed to be at higher levels in the third trimester, thus heightening Melasma risk.
Women who are on birth control hormone disruptors and those taking certain hormone replacement drugs during menopause have also been shown to have higher melanin levels and thusly a higher risk for Melasma. In fact, it is widely believed that the hormone progesterone, which is used in HRT, is directly linked to Melasma in women after menopause. Even men who undergo certain hormonal treatments for prostate cancer have shown an increased risk for Melasma.
Additional Causes Of Melasma
Considering that melanin is the chemical in the skin that leads to tanning after exposure to the sun, too much sunlight for those prone to Melasma are more likely to see their condition worsen. Additionally, those with darker complexions and particularly those of African origins, tend to experience a major explosion of Melasma after exposure to the sun. Some medications have also been called out as causes of Melasma. Dilantin is one of the drugs linked to the condition. Anti-malarials, anti-seizures and tetracycline have also been shown to be potential causes of Melasma. Those with thyroid conditions also produce excess melanin and the MSH hormone and are thusly at even greater risk for Melasma.
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