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Find an Age Spot
Removal Specialist
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 | | The Patient’s Guide™ to Age Spots is the most respected online publication on hyperpigmentation providing information about age and sun spots, skin treatments, and laser medicine. Our mission is to provide you with unbiased, accurate information about age spots and sun damage, as well as potential treatments. | | >>More About the Patient's Guide | |
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Melasma, or chloasma or the ‘mask of pregnancy’ as it is also called, are tan or
brown spots which discolor the skin. It is most commonly found among woman, especially
pregnant women or those taking hormone replacement therapy medications.
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Generally the symptoms include dark patches and spots on the cheeks, nose, forehead
or upperlip. They may develop and worsen over time. Melasma is a purely cosmetic
concern, though any unusual spotting should be diagnosed by a qualified dermatologist
to determine if it is skin cancer.
What Causes Melasma?
Genetics, hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, and extrinsic factors such
as sun exposure are thought to be the cause of Melasma. Hormones stimulate the production
of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in our skin, as they become exposed
by the sun. The increased melanin production causes the spotting we see with Melasma.
Avoiding the Sun
As with most skin conditions, the sun doesn’t help melasma. Wearing sunscreen
with both UVA and UVB protection will help protect the skin and diminish the factors
contributing to a worsening of the condition.
Treatments
There are a number of treatments available for melasma. Some include:
- Laser Treatment to remove the discoloration in the skin
- Azelaic Acid
- Tretinoin (not during pregnancy)
- Topical Creams like Hydroquinone
- Chemical Peels
Treatment Options can be viewed here: How
Can I Remove Age Spots?, Laser
Treatment for Age Spots, Choosing
a Doctor
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Find an Age Spot Removal Specialist
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Dr. Melanie Grossman of New York discusses Melasma
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How Did Treatment
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ChangeYOUR
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73%
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Life?
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| of reviews werePositive |
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(41 reviews)
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I wanted to do something about the liver spots and overall a...[more]
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Palm Springs, CA
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Feb 25, 2010
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In the past few years had a greater increase in dark spots d...[more]
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San Francisco, CA
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Dec 26, 2009
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The first two times seem to be a waste of cash, it was not u...[more]
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Blue Ridge, GA
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Nov 25, 2009
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Ask The Doctor
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