We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. #DARK PATCH ABOVE UPPER LIP PROFESSIONAL#We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. Katrina Clarke is a Toronto-based journalist who writes about relationships, health, technology and social trends.The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. "I still remind them that they have to keep their guard up." "I have seen people totally clear it," said Carroll. Dermatologists also say a combination of topical treatment application and dedicated sun avoidance can keep the effects of melasma at bay. "It's almost like you're even more sensitive to future stimulants … you will have almost a lower threshold."īut there is the possibility spots will fade after pregnancy or after discontinuing the birth control pill. "Once you stimulate melanocyte (cells), they have a memory," said Kellett. She notes there is one laser procedure, called Halo, that may effectively treat melasma, fading spots within two to four weeks, but she recommends only receiving laser treatment from a qualified dermatologist.Īs for discontinuing birth control, Beleznay said she might discuss that option with a patient, if it's clear the hormones are triggering melasma.įor many people, treating melasma will be a lifelong commitment. #DARK PATCH ABOVE UPPER LIP SKIN#That can actually damage the skin and it can make it worse." "They just think pigmentation is pigmentation and they're treating it like a freckle. "There are certain laser procedures that can make it worse, for sure, especially in the hands of someone who's not trained," said Carroll. Lasers are also a possible treatment option, but dermatologists are wary. Others, including Carroll, say they would still recommend it and that misconceptions about hydroquinone are based on past examples of improper use or dosage. Some dermatologists raise concerns about the use of hydroquinone, saying there isn't enough information available about what it does to the skin, and that it may darken it. Other options include topical treatments made from hydroquinone, tretinoin, azelaic acid or kojic acid. Beleznay goes so far as to recommend that patients put on sunscreen before walking past a window on sunny days - being of the mind that even small doses of sun exposure is enough to worsen pigmentation. Lisa Kellett, dermatologist at DLK on Avenue in Toronto.)ĭermatologists say the best treatment is sun avoidance and daily application of sunscreen. Obviously it's critical to be diagnosed as early as possible in the case of skin cancer, but an early diagnosis of melasma can make treatment more effective.Ī woman with Malasma. The skin discolouration could be due to any number of things, including age spots, melasma or skin cancer. Go see a dermatologist or a general practitioner. What should you do if you notice skin discolouration? Dermatologists say women who are pregnant or on the birth control pill are more prone to it, as are people with darker skin. It's sometimes called the "mask of pregnancy" because pregnant women are more prone to it.Īnyone can get melasma but it's most common in women between the ages of 20 and 60. When those factors come into play, they stimulate the skin's melanocyte cells, which then begin producing increased melanin, resulting in brown patches. It's not known exactly what causes melasma but dermatologists believe it's linked to some combination of hormones and exposure to sun, heat or light. Melasma is a hyper-pigmentation skin disorder that results in brown patches on the face, often on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, chin and above the upper lip. To understand what the condition is and what you can do about it, we spoke with dermatologists Dr. The good news, however, is that there are options for mitigating the problem before it gets worse. Dermatologists say once you have it, you're likely to have it for life. Melasma is a skin pigmentation disorder that, while not dangerous to your health, can be a bothersome cosmetic issue. You thought it was just a freckle, but now there's a brown patch spreading above your upper lip.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |