Melasma is not cancerous, a sign of cancer, or a skin condition that “turns into” cancer. However, there are skin cancers that may mimic melasma, so seeing your dermatologist is often recommended to confirm the correct diagnosis. Is melasma permanent? Melasma is a typically chronic disorder. This means that it’s long-lasting (three months or more).
Can melasma turn into cancer? Melasma is not cancerous, a sign of cancer, or a skin condition that “turns into” cancer. However, there are skin cancers that may mimic melasma, so seeing your dermatologist is often recommended to confirm the correct diagnosis. Is melasma permanent? Melasma is a typically chronic disorder. This means that it’s long-lasting (three months or more).
What is melanoma skin cancer? Melanoma Skin Cancer. Melanoma is less common than some other types of skin cancer, but it is more likely to grow and spread. If you have melanoma or are close to someone who does, knowing what to expect can help you cope. Here you can find out all about melanoma, including risk factors, symptoms, how it is found, and how it is treated.
What is the most common melasma color? Mixed melasma: Mixed melasma, which is the most common of the three, has both bluish and brown patches, shows a mixed pattern under black light and shows some response to treatment. Is melasma cancerous? Melasma is not cancerous, a sign of cancer, or a skin condition that “turns into” cancer.
What is melasma and how is it treated? Melasma is a skin condition characterized by brown or blue-gray patches or freckle-like spots. It’s often called the “mask of pregnancy.” Melasma happens because of overproduction of the cells that make the color of your skin. It is common, harmless and some treatments may help. Melasma usually fades after a few months.
melasma vs sun spots
What is the difference between melasma and sun damage? Melasma typically has very defined borders whereas sun damage can sometimes be fuzzy or not well defined around the borders of the spots. Melasma tends to happen in large patches and sun damage more so in smaller spots.
Does laser treatment for melasma work on sun spots? Lasers, generally don’t work very well on melasma. On the other hand, sun damage or sun spots (solar lentigines, seborrheic keratosis, freckles, liver spots) are brown spots that are either on or very near the surface of the skin which makes them a lot easier to treat.
How do I know if I have melasma? Melasma can be easier to identify because it usually presents as brown patches across a woman’s face. Sun damage can vary from freckles to sunburn to dark patches. Sun damage can also develop into skin cancer, so it is important to get damaged skin examined regularly.
What is melasma and how can I treat it? Melasma is hormone-induced, and sun damage is caused by previous years in the sun. You can certainly quiet the melanocytes that cause melasma to look more prominent with in-office treatments by a doctor (or experienced aesthetician), or you can use creams that contain retinols and hydroquinone.
Can melasma turn into cancer?
Symptoms If you are experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms, contact a health care provider.
The symptoms include:
- Melasma commonly appears on the face, at the center, cheekbones, and jawbone
- The centrofacial pattern is the most common and involves the upper lip, chin , forehead, and nose
These areas are characterized by;
- Discoloration
- Hyperpigmentation – the skin in that local area is darker than the rest of the skin
CausesCauses
- The exact cause of melasma is unknown, but it can be triggered by factors like:
- Pregnancy
- Increased levels of progesterone and melanocyte stimulating hormone that increases melanocyte levels causing hyperpigmentation
- Uncontrolled sunlight exposure
- hormone replacement therapy
- Increased levels of progesterone
- Genetic predisposition
- A family history of melasma can increase the risk of acquiring it, especially when exposed to sunlight and taking birth control pills
PreventionPrevention
- Prevention of people with known family history of melasma includes:
- Avoiding the sun
- Applying sunscreen
- Avoiding birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy if possible
ComplicationsComplications
- Treatment with 4% hydroquinone for a long period of time can cause irritation of the skin (irritant dermatitis)
- Inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Common treatment optionsDiet recommendationsHow is this diagnosed?Source: Focus Medica . For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice. Was this helpful?What are the causes of melasma? Birth control, specifically oral contraceptive pills that contain estrogen and progesterone. LED light from your television, laptop, cell phone and tablet. Makeup you find irritating to your skin. Medications that may cause or worsen melasma. Scented soaps. Skin care products that irritate your skin. Tanning beds.
Can melasma get worse over time? Melasma is a harmless skin condition. It doesn’t itch or hurt, and it doesn’t become malignant. Expect it to get worse and/or reoccur if you don’t take steps such as avoiding the sun and makeups and soaps that irritate your skin. How long will I have melasma?
Is melasma contagious and can you catch it? Melasma is also not contagious. There are many skin conditions that cause hyperpigmentation (a darkening of the skin’s natural color). 13 Most are fairly easy to differentiate from melasma, but some can look very similar, especially if you aren’t familiar with them.
What is melasma and how is it treated? Melasma is a skin condition characterized by brown or blue-gray patches or freckle-like spots. It’s often called the “mask of pregnancy.” Melasma happens because of overproduction of the cells that make the color of your skin. It is common, harmless and some treatments may help. Melasma usually fades after a few months.