Melasma is a very common skin disorder. Melasma (also known as chloasma) is a tan or dark facial skin discoloration. It appears as brown or gray-brown patches on your face. Melasma is often associated with the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. It is especially common in pregnant women, women who are taking oral contraceptives , and women taking hormone replacement therapy during menopause. It is also prevalent in men and women of Native American descent and in men and women of German/Russian Jewish descent (on the face). The incidence of melasma also increases in patients with thyroid disease. It is thought that the overproduction of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) brought on by stress can cause outbreaks of this condition.

The cause of melasma is genetics, hormonal changes, and sun exposure. Melasma is much more common in women than in men. Women are affected in 90% of cases. Melasma is rare before adulthood and most commonly occurs in women during their reproductive years. Melasma Suprarenale is a symptom of Addison's disease, particularly when caused by pressure or minor injury to the skin. There are a number of treatments available for melasma. They include: topical bleaching creams, sunscreens, chemical peels, and laser therapy. Pregnancy-derived melasma may resolve spontaneously after delivery. Tretinoin, an acid that increases skin cell (keratinocyte) turnover. Facial peel with alpha hydroxyacids or chemical peels with glycolic acid.

Melasma Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Use sunscreen year-round.

2. Tretinoin, an acid that increases skin cell (keratinocyte) turnover.

3. Facial peel with alpha hydroxyacids or chemical peels with glycolic acid.

4. Chemical peels there aim is to remove pigmentation and resurface the skin.

5. Protect your skin from sun exposure to prevent worsening.