Melasma or Chloasma is a common skin condition of adults in which light to dark brown or grayish pigmentation develops, mainly on face. The name comes from melas, the Greek word for black.Although it can affect both genders and any race, it is more common in women and people with darker skin- types who live in sunny climates. Melasma usually becomes more noticeable in the summer and improves during the winter months. It is not an infection, it is not contagious and it is not due to an allergy. Also, it is not cancerous and will not change into skin color.
Causes-The exact cause is not known, but several factors contribute. These include pregnancy, hormonal drugs such as contraceptive pill, and very occasionally medical conditions affecting hormonal levels.Some cosmetics , especially those containing perfume can bring on melasma.It can also be caused by stress.Sunshine and the use of sun –beds usually worsen any tendency to melasma. Melasma can run in families, suggesting an inherited tendency.
Symptoms- Melasma is simply darker than normal skin affecting cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose and chin usually in a symmetrical manner.It may be limited to the cheeks or just occur overlying the jaw. The neck and rarely the forearms can also be affected. Areas of melasma are not raised. The affected skin is itchy or sore.
Diagnosis- Melasma is usually recognized by the characteristics of the pigmentation and its distribution on the face. Occasionally skin sample is taken and examined under the microscope, a biopsy, in order to exclude other diagnosis.
HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world.Its strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When Melasma is concerned there are many effective medicines are available in Homoeopathy, but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient, considering the mental and physical symptoms.
SEPIA OFFICINALIS 30- Sepia is one the excellent remedies for melasma. There is yellow-brownish spots on face, especially cheeks , forehead and cheeks and nose. A yellow saddle across the upper part of cheeks and nose. There is dark circle under the eyes. Facial discoloration during pregnancy, after childbirth and menopause.Sepia is suited to persons having dark hair, and rigid fibre.
LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM 200- Lycopodium is another effective remedy for melasma with grayish –yellow discoloration of the face, with blue circles around the eyes.Lycopodium patient always suffer from flatulent complaints. The person likes warm food and drinks. There is a special craving for sweets.
ARGENTUM NITRICUM 200- Argentum nitricum is prescribed for melasma where the face looks sunken , old, pale and bluish. Old man’s look, sickly, sunken grayish of muddy colour. Skin is brown, tense and hard.
CADMIUM SULPH 30-Cadmium sulph is effective for melasma with yellow stains on nose and cheeks.The color varies from yellowish to brown. The colour gets worse from exposure to sun and wind.Itching of the face.
COPAIVA OFFICINALIS 30-Copaiva is prescribed for melasma where brown spots are seen on the face. Presence of circumscribed lenticular patches with itching. Mottled appearance .
CAULOPHYLLUM THALICTROIDES 30-Caulophyllum is prescribed where moth spots on forehead with leucorrhea. Discoloration of skin in women with menstrual and uterine disorders.Skin was hot and dry.
THUJA OCCIDENTALIS 30- Thuja occidentalis is excellent for melasma where the skin is pale, waxy, shiny, dark under eyes.Nettled with spider like veins.Skin looks diry , dry with brown spots.
PLUMBUM METALLICUM 200-Plumbum met is prescribed for melasma with yellow , corpse like spots on sunken cheeks.Skin of face is greasy and shiny. Face pale and emaciated.
SULPHUR 200- Sulphur is suited to dirty, filthy people , prone to skin affections. It is best for skin pigmentation after local medication.The skin is unhealthy , dry, rough and dirty.Old looking spotted face.The person feels itching and burning sensation on the face , worse from heat .
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