Melasma Research Paper
Melasma, sometimes known as chloasma, is a fairly common skin disorder that results in discoloration of the pigmentation. This spotty, brown color can be seen over the surface of the skin, but it is usually found around areas easily targeted by the sun, such as the face and the upper extremities. The epidermal, dermal, and mixed are three different types of melasma. It is stemmed genetically, but it usually only presents itself when triggered. The diagnosis is practically clean cut, and the treatment can vary.
Since it is a very broad disorder in terms of appearance, melasma is classified among three types based on the characteristics. First there is the epidermal; it encompasses the features of a dark brown color and a definite edge. Second there is that of the dermal: it includes an indefinite edge and a lighter brown shade. Finally, there is a mixed category which is a combination of both of the aforementioned sub genres. This one is found most frequently. …show more content…
This can range from a hormonal imbalance all the way to sunlight exposure. The hormonal aspect includes changes from pregnancy and side effects caused by different forms of medication. It typically presents itself in adults, but it is not exclusive to any age. However, more often than not is the disorder found in women rather than their male counterparts.
The diagnosis of melasma can be extensive, but the process is simple. It can typically be determined through a visual examination by the patient’s dermatologist; a common step in this would be the Wood’s lamp examination, a procedure that detects infections within the skin. Another known detector would be a biopsy of the infected
Since it is a very broad disorder in terms of appearance, melasma is classified among three types based on the characteristics. First there is the epidermal; it encompasses the features of a dark brown color and a definite edge. Second there is that of the dermal: it includes an indefinite edge and a lighter brown shade. Finally, there is a mixed category which is a combination of both of the aforementioned sub genres. This one is found most frequently. …show more content…
This can range from a hormonal imbalance all the way to sunlight exposure. The hormonal aspect includes changes from pregnancy and side effects caused by different forms of medication. It typically presents itself in adults, but it is not exclusive to any age. However, more often than not is the disorder found in women rather than their male counterparts.
The diagnosis of melasma can be extensive, but the process is simple. It can typically be determined through a visual examination by the patient’s dermatologist; a common step in this would be the Wood’s lamp examination, a procedure that detects infections within the skin. Another known detector would be a biopsy of the infected