DO YOU KNOW YOUR MELASMA?
From the clinical point of view, it has been found that the hyperpigmentation of melasma is not always evenly distributed. In fact, at the level of the face, it can be concentrated in three typical areas:
1) The central-facial area, is affected most frequently. In particular it relates to cheeks, upper lip, nose, forehead, and chin.
2) The malar area, only affects the cheeks and nose.
3) The mandibular area, which involves precisely the jaw and is the less frequent.
HOW TO UNDERSTAND WHAT TYPE OF MELASMA YOU HAVE
Thanks to a dermatological inspection with Wood's lamp, we can figure out which type of melasma affects the skin. In fact, histologically, melasma can be classified in different ways, depending on the skin layer where hyperpigmentation is found. The pigment can be in more or less deep layers. Studies have found that the analysis carried out with Wood's lamp allows a good response compared to the histological examination, indicating the layer where the problem is.
It is very useful to detect the type of melasma, as this may help to find the best way to intervene in order to reduce the problem. It gives information on the timing and possible success of the treatment. For example, an epidermal melasma responds to treatment better than the other types, with excellent whitening results.
Bibliography:
- Prignano F, Ortonne JP, Buggiani G, Lotti T. Therapeutical approaches in melasma. Dermatol Clin 2007; 25: 337–342.
- Khanna N, Rasool S. Facial malanoses: indian perspective. IJDVL 2011; 77:552-564.
- Gupta LK, Singhi MK. Wood’s lamp. IJDVL 2004; 70: 131-135.