What is melasma? Melasma is a skin condition which consists of
dark patches on the face, mainly on the cheeks, forehead, nose,
and above the mouth, but also occurring on the neck, chest and
forearms. It occurs more commonly in women, but men can develop
it as well. People with darker complexions develop melasma more
often than those with fair complexions. Melasma can be light to
dark brown, and pigmentation can be superficial or deep. The
deeper the pigment, the more difficult it is to treat. What
causes melasma? Melasma is caused by an increased production of
melanin. There is often a family history of melasma. This
pigmentation gradually darkens and is caused by prolonged sun
exposure over many years. A change in hormones may trigger
melasma and it can develop during pregnancy (called chloasma, or
the mask of pregnancy), and with the use of oral contraceptive
pills. What is the treatment for melasma? Sun protection is the
most important part of treatment for melasma, since the pigment
will continue to darke