Melasma is a condition in which areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin. It typically occurs on the face, particularly the forehead, cheeks and upper lip. It is known by several other names: "chloasma," "facial pigmentation," and "hyperpigmentation."
The dark patches often appear on both sides of the face in a nearly identical pattern and can be any shade, from tan to deep brown.
Melasma occurs much more often in women than in men, and usually is associated with hormonal changes. That is why the dark patches develop most often during pregnancy, or if a woman is taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or oral contraceptives.
Melasma during pregnancy is a temporary and relatively common condition, so much so that has been called the "mask of pregnancy."
Other factors that make it more likely that a person will get melasma include using medications that make you sensitive to the sun (photosensitizing). If you are already susceptible to melasma, exposure to the sun increases your risk.
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