Question 1

what is melasma, and can men get it as well as women?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Melasma is a pigment deposition disorder that is thought to be closely linked to hormonal change. The classic example is the "pregnancy mask.". We do not fully understand its pathophysiology. Sun exposure makes it much worse. Men also can develop melasma, though many fewer cases noted than in women, and can be off-face such as on the arms.

Question 2

can men ever get melasma or just women? can only women get melasma or have some men been reported as having developed the condition as well?

Accepted Answer

Men too: Most patients are women, but i've seen some men with melasma as well.

Question 3

what causes melasma?

Accepted Answer

Overactive pigment: Certain people will develop extra pigment on the face when exposed to sun or after pregnancy. The melanocytes produce and disperse extra pigment in the skin.

Question 4

can spironolactone cause melasma or make it worse?

Accepted Answer

Not known: Melasma can worsen due to estrogen, progesterone, sun exposure, etc. Spironolactone can lower testosterone, so in theory it could increase estrogen slightly, but have never seen it described as causing or worsening melasma.

Question 5

what causes melasma? my friend randomly developed a spot on her face that she says is called melasma.  what causes this?

Accepted Answer

Melasma : Melasma is a common acquired increase in pigmentation occuring exclusively in sun-exposed areas that is typically brownish in color. It tends to be prominent (but not exclusively) among latinos and asians, and more apparent during and after periods of sun exposure. It mostly arises from pregnancy (chloasma) and oral contraceptives, but can also be associated with endocrine dysfunction, genetic factors, certain medications, nutritional deficiencies, among other things.

Question 6

are there any types of birth control that don't cause melasma?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Any non-hormonal type of birth control is not associated with melasma. This includes condoms, cervical cap, diaphragm or the copper containing iud.

Question 7

hi, can a laser treatment cause melasma?hi, can a laser treatment cause melasma?

Accepted Answer

Melasma: Melasma is usually caused by hormonal changes causing darkening of the skin.  Laser therapy is often used to treat melasma.  Initially after laser treatment the skin will get darker until it sloughs and heals.

Question 8

any birth control pills that don't cause melasma or acne?

Accepted Answer

No: All of the available birth control pills, to my knowledge, have varying degrees of estrogen or estrogen-like components and as such can contribute to the development of melasma (in conjunction with sun-exposure).

Question 9

what is melasma?

Accepted Answer

Increased pigment: The is an increase in pigment in different layers of the skin. It can be superficilal, deep , or a combination. It occurs associated with pregnancy amd in certain ethnic groups such as hispanics, people of mediterranean descent. Common areas are on the upper lip, cheeks, and forehead. Various bleaching creams containing hydroquinone, kojic acid, testimon, or coffeberry can lighten the melasma.

Question 10

how can i treat melasma?

Accepted Answer

Bleaching agents: Avoidance of sun is utmost importance and sunscreen as the sun worsens melasma.  Bleaching creams, retin-a, combinations of them, chemical peels and laser are all possible treatment.

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Doctor answers about:

Melasma in men causes

A member asked:

What is melasma, and can men get it as well as women?

A member asked:

Can men ever get melasma or just women? can only women get melasma or have some men been reported as having developed the condition as well?

A member asked:

What causes melasma?

A member asked:

Can spironolactone cause melasma or make it worse?

A member asked:

What causes melasma? my friend randomly developed a spot on her face that she says is called melasma. what causes this?

A member asked:

Are there any types of birth control that don't cause melasma?

A member asked:

Hi, can a laser treatment cause melasma?hi, can a laser treatment cause melasma?

A member asked:

Any birth control pills that don't cause melasma or acne?

A member asked:

What is melasma?

A member asked:

How can i treat melasma?

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