Melasma is difficult to cure but laser treatment for Melasma is an effective way to treat this skin disease. This skin condition is seen more in females. The main causes that trigger Melasma are the hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. This is also called as the “mask of pregnancy”. But, the truth is that Melasma can affect anyone. It is seen in males as well. Melasma happens due to an increase in brown pigmentation (melanin). It causes brown patches on the sun-exposed areas of body, such as forehead, cheeks, lips, nose or forearms. These patches are more prominent in the summers and less obvious in winters.
Melasma is not dangerous, but it can become cause of anxiety, depression and low self esteem. People suffering from this skin problem start avoiding public places or hide behind a thick layer of makeup.
Conventional Remedies For Melasma
There are many remedies available in the market for treating Melasma, such as enzyme inhibitors, depigmenting agents, bleaches, steroids, pulsed light, acid facial peels and aggressive dermabrasion techniques. The bleaching agents, such as Hydroquinone decrease the activity of the melanin, or pigment-producing cells in the skin. A medicine named Retinoids, works towards promoting the rapid loss of pigment. It increases the skin turnover and eases the penetration of bleaching ingredients into the skin.
Whichever remedy you choose, it can only treat a mild epidermal Melasma. That will also take a minimum of 3-6 weeks. Other Melasma types that affect both the epidermis and dermis can not be treated through conventional remedies.
Laser Treatments And Its Types
No doubt, Melasma treatment was a challenge, till now. The traditional laser therapies also produced mixed effects. However, with time, some revolutionary improvements have occurred. Among those improvements is the laser treatment for Melasma. It is considered as the most effective way to treat Melasma patients. Under this, the main laser therapies are Fraxel Laser for Melasma, and Q-switch YAG.
Fraxel Laser uses millions of microscopic thermal spots to gently resurface only the affected portions of skin that cause Melasma, while at the same time, protects the skin’s outer layer. This treatment is given once a month, for a period of 3 – 4 months. Before the Fraxel Laser treatment, an application of a topical lightening agent such as TriLuma is prescribed. It should be applied on the affected area for a few weeks prior to the therapy. After the treatment, a high grade sunscreen should be applied.
The Q-switched Nd: YAG laser works at a wavelength of either 532 nm or 1064 nm. It can penetrate the melanin in the deep dermis. Therefore, it proves to be an effective laser treatment for Melasma. This procedure also takes a series of monthly treatments. Sun should be religiously avoided and the use of a high grade UVA and UVB sun block is recommended.
So, do not feel hopeless, Melasma can be treated with a combination of lasers, topical medicines, strict sun avoidance and daily sun block. However, laser treatment for Melasma is an unavoidable part of this procedure.