Melasma

Melasma is a common skin problem. It causes brown to gray-brown patches, usually on the face. Most people get it on their cheeks, bridge of their nose, forehead, chin, and above their upper lip. It also can appear on other parts of the body that get lots of sun, such as the forearms and neck.

Women are far more likely than men to get melasma. It is so common during pregnancy that melasma is sometimes called "the mask of pregnancy."

Symptoms

Common signs (what you see) of melasma are brown or gray-brown patches on the face. These patches most commonly appear on the:

• Cheeks.

• Forehead.

• Bridge of the nose.

• Above the upper lip.

• Chin.

• Some people get patches on their forearms or neck. This is less common.

Causes

It likely occurs when the color-making cells in the skin (melanocytes) produce too much color. People with skin of color are more prone to melasma because they have more active melanocytes than people with light skin. Common melasma triggers  include:

• Sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun stimulates the melanocytes. In fact, just a small amount of sun exposure can make melasma return after fading. Sun exposure is why melasma often is worse in summer. It also is the main reason why many people with melasma get it again and again.

• A change in hormones: Pregnant women often get melasma. When melasma appears in pregnant women, it is called chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy. Birth control pills and hormone replacement medicine also can trigger melasma.

• Skin care products: If a product irritates your skin, melasma can worsen.

Treatment:

• Book an appointment with our dermatologist to discuss your specific symptoms and receive a treatment (medicine or therapy) suited to your condition and health.

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