Hyperpigmentation and Melasma are both common skin conditions that may seem alike but they are not. While both of them are dermatological conditions that look alike and are caused by similar things, yet they are not the same. In order to understand the difference between the two conditions, we need to have a closer look at what these conditions really are.
Hyperpigmentation
As the name implies, this term covers all skin conditions where a patch of skin may become darker than the same area that surrounds it. This term actually umbrellas the more specific skin conditions where the pigmentation of the skin may vary such as freckles, liver spots and melasma. The main cause of hyperpigmentation is no doubt sun exposure; however, there may be other factors like acne or scarring or even medications that may cause hyperpigmentation. However, the main causes of this skin condition are the harmful UV rays that may leave permanent damage and even cause worse conditions like skin cancer.
What we need to understand is the difference between the hyperpigmentation that are harmless and the ones that must not be left untreated. The main cause of concern for patients with harmless hyperpigmentation is only physical appearance and that too can be treated through various skin products or cosmetic treatments. It is still better to consult a dermatologist as this is the only way to determine the nature of the seriousness of the hyperpigmentation.
Melasma
Melasma is actually a type of hyperpigmentation that is characterized by darker patches caused by hormonal changes. Even though most hyperpigmentation conditions are related to the sun, melasma is rather caused by changes in hormones. It is often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy” considering pregnant women are more likely to have it. This doesn’t mean that melasma doesn’t impact non-pregnant women, since anyone can have hormonal instability or changes.
The reason melasma is called a mask is that it acts like one by targeting the face of a person. It may cause dark skin patches on their chin, cheeks, nose, or any other areas. However, it may sometimes also target other areas of the body too. Even though it is not dangerous, it can still certainly be uncomfortable in public.
Treatment of Melasma
Melasma is generally harder to treat. The reason for this is that most hyperpigmentation only needs topical creams for treatment. However, Melasma can not only be treated with that as the main cause of these conditions is hormonal imbalance. This doesn’t mean that it cannot be treated, however, the set of chemicals for the usage of each person must be personalized as each person’s melasma may have a different reaction to treatment. It may require a combination of sun blocks or melasma treatment products. In fact, a wide variety of personalized treatments may be the only way to get rid of this condition, and depending upon the person it may clear up quickly or even take quite long. The treatments also need to be for an indefinite number of times and the condition may return too depending upon the hormones of the person. In short, it will take time and effort to fully get rid of this annoying condition.
Conclusion
The difference between hyperpigmentation and melasma is that hyperpigmentation is an umbrella term for all skin conditions involving discoloration on patches on the skin while melasma refers to the hyperpigmentation that is caused by hormonal issues. Hyperpigmentation is mostly triggered by prolonged exposure to harmful sun rays and therefore it is necessary to have proper sun protection before the damage is done to your skin.
