FIGHTING PIGMENTATION PROBLEMS -- MELASMA
Staying in Malaysia, we are blessed with year round sunshine and sandy beaches. Nevertheless, pigmentation becomes a common concern amongst people over here compared to temperate countries like Europe, US or Japan. Hyperpigmentation is a condition many people chooses to be silent about but many, despite trying to ignore them, still finds this condition disturbing deep in their hearts.
“One of the commonest problems faced by people in the tropics is hyperpigmentation, topic of sharing today is Melasma''.
Melasma, also known as “chloasma faciei” is a dark pigmentation on the face, which develops around the cheek, upper lips, nose bridge and sometimes, on the forehead on exposure to the sun. The cause of melasma is complex and it relates to genetic predisposition, sun exposure and hormonal factors. Although it can affect anyone, melasma is particularly common in women, especially pregnant women and those who take oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and women around the menopausal period. Even though spontaneous resolution after menopause/ pregnancy does occur but in some of the patients, the pigmentation may persists for life.
This condition requires adequate avoidance of exposure to the sun and meticulous care towards sun exposed area on the body. However for those people who suffer from this hyperpigmentation problem, don’t get too worried as well. Studies have shown that melasma can be effectively reduced by Q-Switch ND-YAG laser, fractional Laser, chemical peeling combine with topical products.
------Photo before and after of Q-Switch ND-YAG treatments. (Fotona QX-MAX - Courtesy of Vanusys)
Before treatment
After treatments
P/S: Melasma can be control, can't be totally cure. However, if it does come back, repeat the same treatment then it will reduce again.
By,
Anna Hoo
