Understanding Melasma

Melasma is a tan or dark facial skin discoloration. Melasma is particularly common in women, especially pregnant women. The symptoms of melasma are dark, irregular patches commonly found on the upper cheek, nose, lips, upper lip, and forehead. These patches often develop gradually over time. Melasma does not cause any other symptoms beyond the cosmetic discoloration. Melasma is an acquired hypermelanosis of sun-exposed areas. It presents as symmetric hyperpigmented macules, which can be confluent or punctate.