Melasma
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Explore overview, symptoms, causes, treatment, diagnosis, prevention, and FAQ articles for this condition.
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What is Melasma
Melasma is a chronic pigmentary disorder of the skin characterized by the development of irregular, symmetrical patches of brown to gray-brown discoloration, most often on the face. It arises from altered activity in the epidermis, dermis, and the cells that produce…
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Symptoms of Melasma
Melasma is characterized primarily by brown, gray-brown, or sometimes blue-gray patches of hyperpigmentation on the skin, most often on the face. These visible changes are the main symptoms of the condition. They arise from altered pigment production and redistribution within the…
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Causes of Melasma
Melasma is caused by an abnormal increase in pigment production and distribution in the skin, usually driven by a combination of hormonal signals, ultraviolet light exposure, and individual biological susceptibility. It develops when the cells that make pigment, called melanocytes, become…
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Diagnosis of Melasma
Melasma is usually identified through a clinical evaluation rather than a single definitive laboratory test. It is a chronic pigmentary disorder in which patches of skin develop excess melanin, most often on sun-exposed areas of the face. The diagnosis matters because…
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Treatment for Melasma
The treatment of melasma is mainly based on topical skin-lightening medications, photoprotection, and selected procedural interventions such as chemical peels, certain laser or light-based treatments, and, in some cases, oral medications. These approaches are used because melasma is not simply a…
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Prevention of Melasma
Melasma is a pigmentary condition in which patches of skin become darker because melanocytes produce and distribute more melanin than usual. It is influenced by several interacting factors rather than a single cause. For that reason, melasma cannot always be fully…
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FAQ about Melasma
This FAQ article explains melasma in clear, practical terms. It covers what melasma is, why it develops, how doctors diagnose it, what treatments can help, and what people should know about long-term management, prevention, and prognosis. The goal is to give…