The use of sun block is required not only by adults, but is also very important for children in both summer and winter recommend dermatologists. Exposure to sunrays results in many health problems for the skin. One such disease is melasma, which appears in the form of brown skin patches that affect the face or hand or any other area subjected to the sun. Of the people affected by melasma, 90 per cent are women and 10 per cent are men, which is attributed to other factors besides being exposed to the sun, such as pregnancy and giving birth, according to Dr Hala el-Sheikh, dermatology consultant, Ain Shams University. In addition to, taking birth control pills and having hormonal therapy, not applying sun blocks and misusing cosmetics also contribute to being afflicted with melasma. It most commonly occurs on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose, and chin states Dr el-Sheikh. She noted that melasma is neither hereditary nor an autoimmune disease and is not influenced by the psychological state of the patient. Melasma appears as a consequence of raised melanin in either the epidermis (the superficial layers) or deeper layers of the skin. "Melasma reaches to the deeper layers if the patient has not received treatment immediately after the brown patches first appear on the skin", Dr el-Sheikh explained. Therefore, she recommends using sun blocks and avoiding the use of cosmetic substances upon the appearance of melasma as well as promptly receiving treatment. She detailed that sun blocks should be applied half an hour before going out and repeating every four hours during the day. She noted that there certain creams and drugs to treat melasma, in addition to treatment made up by dermatologists. Otherwise the patient can receive what is known as partial laser through a monthly session which can improve the condition, says Dr el-Sheikh. The response to the therapy depends on the degree of melasma and the layer affected, whether superficial or deeper. In addition, chemical peeling is very beneficial for cases of melasma that have not responded to treatment with creams, especially if the pigmentation is severe. Resorting to chemical peeling to remove the superficial layer provides another layer with the opportunity to grow. Dr el-Sheikh pointed out melasma differs from freckles, which have resulted from exposure to UV light, which are hereditary and widespread among fair-skinned people. Therefore Dr el-Sheikh urges mother to use sun blocks on children with a predisposition for freckles before going out whether in summer or winter. Concerning the therapy, Dr el Sheikh pointed out that creams are effective technique to treat severe cases of freckling, which can also be improved by laser treatment, but need more laser sessions compared with those required for melasma cases.
