Know the Difference Between Melasma and Melanoma

Melasma and melanoma are conditions which many people have. But how do you understand about them? How different melasma and melanoma are? Let consult this information below.

What is melasma?

Melasma is a condition in which areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin. Doctors call this hyperpigmentation. It usually occurs on the face, especially the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip. Skin burns can range in color from brown to dark brown.

Skin lesions occur in women more than men and are often associated with hormonal changes. That is why skin pigmentation develops often during pregnancy, or when using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or oral contraceptives. Skin pigmentation during pregnancy is relatively common. Sometimes it is called “mask of pregnancy” or “chloasma”. This skin usually lasts until the pregnancy ends and several months after birth.

The most important factor in the development of melanoma is exposure to sunlight. Using drugs that make you sensitive to sunlight can increase your risk of developing melasma. It may include certain cosmetics and medicines used to treat ovarian or thyroid cancer. Protecting from the sun is a necessary part of the treatment. For example, women who are pregnant or who take hormonal medications and protect them from sun damage may develop hyperpigmentation.

What is the symptom of melasma?

Skin lesions appear on the forehead, temples, cheeks or above the upper lip. The dark skin will not be swollen pain.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma affects the skin cells, called melanocytes. These cells are responsible for the color of the skin. They also give their dark patches. Under normal conditions, the mole is a benign tumor of the skin. Sometimes a mole can turn into a malignant tumor. A new mole can also be malignant at an early stage.

Melanoma is uncommon but quite dangerous. It can easily spread to other parts of the body.

What is the symptom of melanoma?

Melanoma usually does not hurt. In addition, it usually has no symptoms. The first sign is usually a change in the size, shape, color, or sensitivity of the existing mole. Melanosomes can also appear as a new, dark, discolored, or abnormal mole. Almost all moles are benign.

We have melanoma when a mole may be a malignant tumor and have signs below:

• Uneven shape – it does not correspond to one-half on the other half form.
• Torn, toothed, blurred or infrequent. Pigmentation can spread to the surrounding skin.
• Unique color – uneven color, with shades of black, brown, or tan, and perhaps even white, gray, pink, red or blue.
• Change the size – usually increase and become deeper than 5mm and larger diameter of 15 mm.
• The changes in texture – It can start with small changes in the skin and become a tumor in the advanced case.
• Bleeding – The skin may start itching or bleeding in higher conditions.

Through this article, you had the necessary information about melasma and melanoma. Melanoma is more dangerous than melasma. So if you have any risk signals related to melanoma, let notice immediately to your doctor. Many people died because of melanoma.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.