Melasma
What is it?
Melasma is a hyperpigmentary disorder of the skin characterized by dark spots or blotches on the face, forehead and neck.
Who is likely to get it?
About 5 to 6 million American women have Melasma, mostly women between the ages of 20 to 39. It occurs in 50 to 70% of pregnant women.
What causes it?
It is triggered by both sun exposure and hormonal changes during pregnancy.
What can I do about it?
It may fade naturally, but there are treatments to consider if it doesn't. For information on the first topical triple combination treatment approved by the FDA, visit www.triluma.com. To learn more about the condition of Melasma, visit www.melasmafacts.com or www.melasmainformacion.com in Spanish.
Solar Lentigo
What is it?
Solar Lentigines, also called sun, age, or liver spots, are benign flat brown spots that look like large brown freckles. They appear on sun-exposed skin, such as the face or back of the hands.
Who is likely to get it?
90% of light skinned people over the age of 60 develop the condition. In general, those who are most likely to have solar lentigines are people who have a tendency to sunburn and tan little or not at all (skin types 1 and 2).
What causes it?
It is a skin condition caused by chronic exposure to the sun or UV rays.
What can I do about it?
See a dermatologist to learn more about the latest treatments.
Vitiligo
What is it?
Vitiligo is a hypopigmentation disorder (where the body does not produce enough melanin) that creates smooth white spots on the skin.
Who is likely to get it?
The condition affects nearly 2% of the population, typically striking those between the ages of 10 and 30, and is most prevalent among those with darker skin.
What causes it?
It's unknown. Though many people report pigment loss shortly after severe sunburn, the cause is likely a combination of genetic, immunologic and neurogenic factors.
What can I do about it?
There is no current cure for Vitiligo but treatment forms have improved over the years. To learn more, visit the American Academy of Dermatology site.