Tranexamic acid (TXA), an anti-fibrinolytic drug has shown promising results in patients with melasma. Evidence from several clinical studies has surfaced on efficacy and tolerability of TXA in these patients. It can be used as monotherapy or adjuvant with other therapies.
Some women find a progesterone-only hormonal birth control is better for managing melasma compared with those containing estrogen.
Your dermatologist may prescribe one or more of the following: Hydroquinone: This is a common treatment for melasma. It is applied to the skin and works to even out the skin tone. Hydroquinone is no longer available in products that you can buy without a prescription.
Most cases of melasma will fade away with time and especially with good protection from sunlight and other sources of light. Unfortunately, there is no definitive treatment that will automatically make melasma disappear. At this time there is no way to remove dermal pigment.
The most commonly used treatments for melasma are skin lightening medications that are applied topically. These include medications such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, cysteamine, rucinol, and tranexamic acid.
Etiologic factors include genetic influences, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pregnancy, hormonal therapies, cosmetics, phototoxic drugs, and antiseizure medications. Genetic predisposition may be a major factor in the development of melasma. Melasma is more common in females than in males.
However, it may take time for the hormonal levels to stabilise and for the skin to heal, and melasma may not disappear immediately after stopping birth control. However, in some cases, pigmentation may persist even after discontinuing birth control pills.
What Deficiency Causes Melasma? Studies have proved that there is a link between vitamin B12 deficiency and melasma, which means a deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause melasma on the face. Iron deficiency anemia can also lead to melasma.
Melasma and Malnutrition. While melasma most often develops after prolonged sun exposure or during pregnancy due to fluctuating hormone levels, it may also be a sign of malnutrition or liver disease. Studies have linked melasma to people with poor liver function, vitamin B12 deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.
Melasma may develop as a result of hormone changes due to pregnancy or certain medications, such as oral contraceptives. Recently, research has found that blue light emitted from light bulbs, computer screens and other electronic devices can worsen melasma.
Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin. Vitamin B12 also promotes collagen formation while supporting the growth of new skin cells.
Retinol can reduce melasma by inhibiting the activity of melanocytes (the cells responsible for producing melanin). By modulating the skin's response to UV exposure and reducing tyrosinase enzyme activity, retinol helps reduce melasma pigmentation.
Tranexamic acid is a sought out treatment for melasma because of its efficacy and mild side effects. The effectiveness of tranexamic acid has been documented in various journals like Dermatol, J Am Acad dermatol, Dermatol Ther, and Clin Exp dermatol.
Tri-Luma (fluocinolone/hydroquinone/tretinoin) - Uses, Side Effects, and More. Overview: Tri-Luma is used to treat a condition called melasma, which is where colored areas appear on the face. Tri-Luma contains three medicines.
Most dermatologists start Melasma treatment in India with a topical therapy. The aim of treatment of Melasma on face is to stop the melanocytes from forming any new pigments. Most commonly for the treatment of Melasma on face Hydroquinone is used.
Parsley Tea
Parsley has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce the severity of melasma. Brew parsley in hot water to make a tea, and let it cool.
Vitamin D has been demonstrated to be critical in the skin, including differentiation and proliferation of melanocytes. Our results suggest that patients with melasma, who have significantly lower levels of serum vitamin D than their healthy counterparts, may benefit from vitamin D supplementation.
Aloe vera is a fantastic melasma treatment at home, known for its soothing and healing properties. Applying fresh aloe vera gel to affected areas can help reduce pigmentation and improve overall skin health. Leave the gel on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Meat, fish, and eggs are rich in Vitamin B12. Therefore, it can be missing from your diet if you are vegan or vegetarian. Tip: Consuming vitamin-rich foods can reverse melasma. Consume fortified cereals, nutritional yeast, and supplements to replenish your nutrient intake.
It may be due to the malfunction of the melanocytes, which are cells in the skin that produce melanin. They may produce too much, causing patches of darker skin. People with medium to darker skin tones may be more likely to develop melasma because they have more melanocytes than people with lighter skin do.