Melasma Causes, Diagnosis and Natural Treatment

Melasma is the effect of enhance in pigmentation in some parts of the body, appearing generally on the face, forearms and shoulders. It is as well further common in women than in men and furthermore noted to be prevalent to Native American, German and Russian descent. It generally occurs after the age of 40 around the face, usually on the upper cheeks, nose, lips and forehead.

These darkened patches of skin are said to be the effect of hormones that create melanin pigments in areas where the skin is exposed to sunlight. Women who used to spend so much time under the sun in their youth such as sunbathing can have an increased possibility developing melasma later on in life.

Causes of Melasma

What exactly Causes of Melasma are not known. Melasma is not infectious, or no contagious, nor does it occur owing to an allergy. As well, it is non-cancerous and will not development into skin cancer.

Lots of factors are believed to contribute to melasma which includes:

• Women
• Pregnancy
• Sun exposure
• Hypothyroidism
• Hormonal therapies -Oral contraceptive pills and hormonal replacement therapy in menopausal

Melasma, however, also is reported non-pregnant healthy persons as well. While melasma does not cause any other symptoms other than skin discoloration, it can cause distress on a cosmetic level.

Diagnosis of Melasma

A visual exam of the affected area is enough to diagnose Melasma. The medical doctor will perform the wood's lamp examination that uses ultraviolet light to look at the skin closely. On the other hand to rule out exact causes various other tests may be performed. Doctors may do tests to check for infections and determine how several layers of skin are affected.

A black light (340-400 nm) can help in diagnosing, even though is not necessary for Diagnosis of Melasma. In most cases, mixed melasma is diagnosed, which means the discoloration is due to pigment in the dermis and epidermis.

Melasma Natural Treatment

The treatment of Melasma may take some time; you may have to try a lot of products before getting the right one that suits you. But most of these products considerably improve the appearance of Melasma depending on your skin type; results are generally seen for about three months.

There is no treatment that will 100% effectively cure Melasma. The treatments listed above might help over time, but less than 50% of patients have success. The best prevention way is Melasma Natural Treatment, it is effective for cure it. Melasma shows no serious health consequences, and treatments do guarantee that the situation will improve.

Sweet Potatoes for Melasma

Just like carrots, sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene and adding them to your diet can help you strengthen your skin so it can be protected from the sun and prevent melasma.

Go for the big sweet potatoes at your grocery store and try not to cook them too long or they’ll lose a lot of their skin protection nutrients. Bake them in the oven at 400 degrees until they become soft and eat as is.

Turmeric for Melasma

The antiseptic properties of turmeric help in peeling off the hyperpigmented layer on the skin that is common among women suffering from this skin problem. Mix turmeric powder with water and apply the paste on your skin for fighting off melasma.

Onion Juice for Melasma

Since ages, women suffering from melasma have used onion juice to treat this skin problem and prevent it from spreading. Apply fresh onion juice on your skin to fight off the pigmentation that is caused by melasma.

Lemon Juice for Melasma

Lemon juice is also very best and popular thing in treating skin problems. Take 2 tsp. of lemon juice and add 2 tsp. of honey. Mix both well. Apply this mixture on your melasma area and let it stay for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse it off using normal water. Using this remedy thrice a week will help you to get rid of melasma.

Papaya Mask for Melasma

Papaya is known for its versatile properties. It also works wonders for the skin. Take a ripe papaya, mash it and apply the paste on the face. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water and apply moisturizer. Use this mask twice a week.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Melasma

For various skin issues and impairments, this amazing ingredient would simply show some magic in very less time. If you want a natural ingredient which nourishes the skin along with fighting the skin discoloration and patchiness, you will have to mix it with water in equal quantities and gently slather it on the troubling areas. Try this home treatment twice a week for getting desirable results.

Onions for Melasma

The kitchen basic ingredient, onion, can also be beneficial for treating discoloration of skin. Pick the red onion, kept in your kitchen storage and try it to reduce your dark patches. Red Onion juice can be a curative remedy to reduce the appearance of ugly patches or spots on the face.

Do’s in Melasma Treatment

• Remove the make-up before you hit the hay.
• Use a sunscreen lotion regularly in all weathers.
• Increase the intake of vitamin B12 or its supplements.
• Eat a balanced and nutritious diet comprising of fruits and vegetables.
• Drink plenty of water that will keep your skin hydrated and excretes toxins very easily.

Don’ts in Melasma Treatment

• Avoid exposure to sunlight.
• Stress is one of the major causes for melasma, so it is recommended to take effective measures like meditation, yoga and other exercises, in order to get rid of stress.