Melasma (also known as "Chloasma”  or the mask of pregnancy  when present in pregnant women) is a  dark skin discoloration. Although it can affect any sex, melasma is particularly common in women, especially pregnant women and those who are taking oral or patch contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications.

Melasma is thought to be the stimulation of melanocytes or pigment-producing cells by the female sex hormones estrogen ,  progesterone and the melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) to produce more melanin pigments when the skin is exposed to sun.

The symptoms of melasma are dark, irregular well demarcated hyperpigmented macules to patches commonly found on the upper cheek, nose, lips, upper lip, and forehead. These patches often develop gradually over time.

For Prophylaxis:

1)      Avoidance of excessive sun exposure especially between 10 am and 2 in the afternoon

2)      Usage of appropriate sunscreen with at  least a 30 SPF

3)      Adequate vitamin C intake

For treating Melasma:

1)      Bleaching preparations

2)      Fractional laser

3)      Light peel

4)      IPL