Melasma is the overpigmentation of the skin which results in deep, dark-looking brown spots and splotches showing up on a person’s face. Generally, these dark sports show up on the forehead and cheeks in a symmetrical pattern and also on the nose and upper lip. The causes of Melasma are many, but at the root of them all is the overabundance of melanin, the chemical within the skin that’s responsible for its color. As for who gets it, the answer is mostly women, to the tune of 90% of all cases. There are many causes of Melasma and I think that the following are the more popular reasons.

Various Genetic Causes Of Melasma

Genetics has been shown to play a major role in Melasma. Individuals who have darker skin, such as those from African or tropical descent, tend to have a heightened risk for Melasma. About a third of those who experience Melasma have a family history as well. To further show that genetics plays a role, when one identical twin develops the skin problem, more often than not, the other will too.

The Hormonal Causes Of Melasma

Another major contributing factor to the development of Melasma is an overabundance of female hormones. This tends to be most pronounced in women who are either pregnant or taking birth control medication. In pregnant women, a hormone that increases melanin production called MSH is believed to be in higher amounts in the body, thus increasing risk for Melasma.

Females taking birth control pills to disrupt hormone functions and those on hormone replacement therapy during and after menopause also have an increased amount of melanin in their bodies. As a matter of fact, the hormone used in HRT called progesterone is suspected to be directly linked to Melasma. Even men who undergo certain hormonal treatments for prostate cancer have shown an increased risk for Melasma.

A Few Other Causes Of Melasma

Seeing as melanin also causes the normal tanning effect when the skin is exposed to sunlight, it’s not surprising that those with Melasma experience a worsening of symptoms after exposure to sunlight. That’s why those individuals with darker complexions who have more melanin to begin with, tend to see their conditions flare up after extended periods in the sun. Some medications have also been called out as causes of Melasma. One such drug is Dilantin. Anti-malarials, anti-seizures and tetracycline have also been shown to be potential causes of Melasma. Those with thyroid conditions also produce excess melanin and the MSH hormone and are thusly at even greater risk for Melasma.

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