Several metabolic, immunologic, and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy have a significant physiologic and pathologic impact on all organs, including the skin. Melasma, also known as the “mask of pregnancy” or chloasma, is characterized by irregular hyperpigmentation which appears particularly on the forehead, upper lip, cheeks, chin, and nose. It occurs mostly in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Common clinical patterns identified are malar, centrofacial, and mandibular.
Female sex hormones play an important role in the development of melasma during pregnancy. Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder characterized by the appearance of light to dark brown symmetrical hyperpigmentation patches on the forehead, malar areas, and chin. Pregnancy, ultraviolet light exposure, hormones, certain cosmetics, and drugs are the most important risk factors for melasma. Melasma…
