Melasma (also known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy when present in pregnant woman) is a skin condition presenting as brown patches on the face of adults. Both sides of the face are usually affected. The most common sites are the cheeks, bridge of nose, forehead, and upper lip. It is particularly common in women, especially pregnant women and those who are taking oral contraceptives. (However, hormone replacement therapy used after menopause has not been shown to cause the condition.) Ultraviolet light from the sun, and even very strong light from light bulbs, can stimulate melanocytes and contributes to melasma. Incidental exposure to the sun is mainly the reason for recurrences of melasma. Melasma is not associated with any internal diseases or organ malfunction.
Since it is very common, and has a characteristic appearance, most patients can be diagnosed simply by a skin examination.
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