Steroid-induced melasma is a skin problem that has long-term consequences.
While steroid use can improve skin appearance for a while, long-term use can be dangerous. Steroids weaken the skin, leading to various problems such as acne, rashes, and steroid-induced melasma, resulting in an uneven complexion.
In the case of melasma caused by steroid use, improper skin care can lead to darker melasma that is difficult to treat. Therefore, to lighten facial melasma, it is essential to thoroughly understand melasma, including its formation process and types, in order to achieve effective treatment results.
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What are steroids?
Steroids are hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. They regulate bodily functions to ensure normal operation. The steroids used in medical treatment are synthetic steroids available in oral, topical, and injectable forms. However, because steroids are considered dangerous to the body, they should only be used under a doctor's prescription.
The benefits of steroids.
Steroids are substances used in medicine because they have beneficial properties for the body, as follows:
- Hormone replacement therapy for disorders of the adrenal glands and anterior pituitary gland.
- Helps relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation.
- Helps reduce rejection of transplanted organs.
- It helps suppress the body's immune system, allowing the body to respond better to treatments for certain diseases, such as autoimmune diseases and rheumatoid arthritis.
However, steroids are only beneficial for treatment when used in small doses and for short periods. Therefore, if medication is necessary, it must be under the supervision of a doctor. Self-medicating with steroid-containing drugs or products should be avoided as it can affect bodily systems and the skin, leading to steroid-induced melasma.
Dangers of steroids.
Although steroids have some medical benefits, they are classified as toxic substances that are harmful to the body if used in large quantities or for long periods. The dangers of steroid use include:
- It is easier to contract infections from diseases, viruses, and fungi than usual because the immune system is functioning poorly.
- It can cause high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
- Steroids suppress hormone secretion. When steroid use is stopped, the body will not be able to produce enough hormones.
- Brittle bones, osteoporosis
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- Weight gain is severe, and it can lead to diabetes.
- heart failure
- Applying steroids to the face can lead to steroid dependence. Common symptoms include steroid acne, steroid melasma, rashes, and also burning sensations and peeling of the skin.
Factors that cause steroid-induced melasma.
Steroid-induced melasma is caused by prolonged use of steroids, leading the skin to require more steroids to the point where it cannot stop using them. When use is stopped, the steroids are expelled from the skin, resulting in acne, rashes, and thinning of the skin, making it more susceptible to steroid-induced melasma. Factors that trigger steroid-induced melasma on the face include:
- sunlight
- heredity
- hormone
Types of melasma caused by steroids.
Steroid-induced melasma is a type of melasma caused by skin sensitivity resulting from prolonged use of steroids. Steroid-induced melasma can be categorized into three types:
- Superficial (Epidermal)
Superficial freckles are patches of skin that appear on the outer layer of the skin, also known as the epidermis. They have well-defined borders and are dark brown to gray in color.
- Dermal melasma
Deep melasma is a type of melasma that appears on the dermis layer of the skin. Its borders are faint and indistinct, and the melasma is typically purplish-blue to bluish-gray in color.
- Mixed ceiling type
Mixed melasma is a type of melasma that occurs in both the epidermis and dermis, exhibiting characteristics of both superficial and deep melasma. The melasma is typically brown, gray, or bluish-gray in color.
Areas where steroid-induced melasma often appears.
Steroid-induced melasma often appears in the following areas:
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- nose
- forehead
How to treat melasma caused by steroids.
Currently, there is no way to permanently cure steroid-induced melasma because it can always reappear. However, there are ways to treat facial melasma and make it appear lighter, as follows:
Stop using steroid creams.
One of the most important ways to treat steroid-induced melasma is to stop using steroid creams. Continuing to use creams containing steroids will thin the skin and cause the melasma to darken. Therefore, it's crucial to stop using steroid creams immediately to allow the skin to gradually recover and regain its strength.
Topical medications for treating melasma containing steroids.
Steroid-based medications for treating melasma can help gradually fade facial melasma. These medications come in both topical and oral forms. However, because some types of medication can have dangerous side effects, it is essential to use them under the supervision of a doctor for safety.
Laser treatment for melasma with steroids.
Laser treatment of skin affected by melasma is a targeted method for treating steroid-induced melasma. The laser directly breaks down pigment cells beneath the skin and stimulates collagen production, leading to a gradual fading of melasma and improved skin health.
Stop using cosmetics.
Some cosmetics may contain ingredients that contribute to steroid-induced melasma, such as fragrances, parabens (preservatives), alcohol, or other substances that irritate the skin and make melasma appear darker. They can also increase the likelihood of clogged pores and acne breakouts.
Skin exfoliation for treating melasma with steroids.
Using products with exfoliating properties can help fade melasma. Products containing AHA acids exfoliate the skin, reducing pigmentation, but prolonged use can thin the skin. PHA acids, on the other hand, exfoliate more gently than AHA, lightening skin tone more effectively and are more suitable for those with steroid-induced melasma whose skin is more sensitive than normal.
How can steroid-induced melasma be prevented?
Although steroid-induced melasma can be treated to fade, there is also a chance it may become darker again. Therefore, it is important to take care of yourself to prevent melasma from darkening or appearing in other areas, as follows:
- Avoid using products containing steroids to prevent skin dependence. If steroid use is necessary, it must be under the supervision of a doctor.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, as it stimulates skin pigmentation to darken and also increases the risk of sunburn.
- Always apply sunscreen because it helps protect against UV rays, which are the main cause of melanin production in the skin.
- Use products that help reduce melanin production and skincare products to help restore skin health.
- Eat nutritious food, drink plenty of water, and get enough sleep to keep your skin healthy.
In summary, steroid-induced melasma is a skin problem you shouldn't ignore.
Many people may believe that steroids can help treat skin problems, but if used carelessly, steroids can be harmful to the body, including the skin. They can thin the skin, causing skin cells to be stimulated to produce more melanin, leading to steroid-induced melasma.
For those experiencing steroid-induced melasma, you should stop using facial products containing steroids and switch to products containing Kojic Acid, Alpha Arbutin, and Licorice extract to reduce melanin production, such as Absolute Light Cream, along with Romrawin Cosmetics' Intensive Serum, which contains PHA to promote skin exfoliation. This will gradually fade dark spots and melasma, resulting in a brighter complexion.