Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by brown patches on the face, most often appearing on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. It is caused by an overproduction of melanin in the skin and is more common in women, especially those taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. Risk factors include skin of color, sun exposure, and hormone changes associated with pregnancy. Treatment options include topical creams containing hydroquinone, tretinoin, or corticosteroids as well as procedures like chemical peels or dermabrasion. While melasma may fade on its own, it can also persist if left untreated.

2.  “Mask of Pregnancy” is a tan or dark skin
discoloration.
 Mostly in women who are taking oral or
patch contraceptives or hormone
replacement therapy (HRT) medications.

3.  The pigmentation
is due to overproduction
of melanin produced
by the pigment cells,
melanocytes.

5.  Patches of grey – brown patches on face.
 Melasma doesn’t cause any symptoms but
many people dislike the way melasma makes
their skin look
 These patches most commonly appear on the :
› Cheeks
› Forehead
› Bridge of the nose
› Above the upper lip
› Chin

6.  The cause is not clear.
 People with skin of color are more prone to
melasma because they have more active
melanocytes
 Sun exposure
 A change in horomones
 Cosmetics

7.  It can fade on its own
 Hydroquinone – topical ointment, non-
prescription
 Tretinoin and corticosteroids- enhances skin
lightening
 Procedures – chemical peels,
microdermabrasion, dermabrasion

8.  If melasma goes untreated, it isn't that big of
a deal but it could possibly never go away.

9.  Not positively hereditary but studies show
that most people with a family history of
melasma inherit it.
 Mostly common among women but some
cases show men have melasma
 Mostly pregnant women who had been
taking hormones get melasma

10.  http://www.skin-whitening-product.com/treatment-for-melasma.html
 http://www.pgbeautygroomingscience.com/skin-color.php
 http://bestofbothworldsaz.com/2011/03/09/melasma-the-pregnancy-mask/
 http://www.illuminatural6ireview.org/how-to-treat-melasma/
 http://shinobayderm.com/cosmelan_md.html
 http://doctorv.ca/medical-conditions/white-or-brown-discolouration/melasma-cholasma-mask-of-
pregnancy/
 http://melasma-treatment-melbourne.street-directory.com.au/
 http://www.panoramadermatologyclinic.co.za/melasma/
 http://www.truthinaging.com/review/melasma-what-it-is-and-how-to-treat-it