What is a Melasma?
Melasma appears as a brownish pigmentation on the face that develops slowly and fades with time. It generally affects the forehead, cheeks, chin and upper lips. It is also known as the mask of pregnancy, or Chloasma, a synonymous term sometimes used to describe the occurrence of melasma during pregnancy. Chloasma is derived from the Greek word chloazein, meaning “to be green.” Melas, also Greek, means “black.” Since the pigmentation is never green in appearance, melasma is the preferred term. Melasma is especially common in women aged 20-40. Occasionally it is seen in young men who use after-shave lotions, scented soaps, and other toiletries. How does Melasma appear? Melasma is a very common skin disorder. Though it can affect anyone, young women with brownish skin tones are at greatest risk. Melasma is often associated with the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. It is especially common in women who are taking oral contraceptives (“the pill”) or injected depot contraceptive pre
