Melasma

Melasma

What is melasma?

Melasma, also called ‘chloasma’ and ‘pregnancy mask’, is a common skin condition of adults in which brown or greyish patches of pigmentation (colour) develop, usually on the face. The name comes from melas, the Greek word for black, or cholas, from the word green-ishIt is more common in women, particularly during pregnancy (when up to 50% of women may be affected). Sometimes men may also be affected. Melasma is more common in people of colour and those who tan very quickly but can occur to anyone.

Melasma usually becomes more noticeable in the summer and improves during the winter months.It is not an infection; therefore, it is not contagious, and it is not due to an allergy. It is not cancerous and will not develop into skin cancer.

Keep up to date with the latest research about melasma and all things skin related with our newsletter.

More on this conditionintroduction

What does it look like?

See image in full
introduction

Main body location

Face

introduction

Can it appear anywhere?

No

introduction

Related

Vitiligo

Find your nearest clinic

Explore the map

What causes melasma?

The exact cause is not known, but it is thought to be because of pigment-producing cells in the skin (melanocytes) producing too much pigment (melanin). Several factors can contribute to developing melasma, including pregnancy and using hormonal drugs such as birth control pills and hormone replacement. Rarely, other medical problems that affect hormones (such as thyroid problems) may cause melasma, as well as some other medications, such as anti-epileptics.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun and the use of sun-beds or phototherapy can trigger melasma or make it worse.

Is melasma hereditary?

Melasma is more common in people with a family history of the condition, but it is not hereditary.

What does melasma look like?

Melasma appears darker than the surrounding skin- affecting the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose and chin. It can also affect other areas of the body exposed to the sun, such as the forearms and neck. Areas of melasma are flat, not raised.

What are the symptoms of melasma?

Most patients are upset by the appearance of melasma, but it has no physical symptoms.  Affected skin is not itchy or painful.

How is melasma diagnosed?

Melasma is usually easily recognised by doctors from its appearance. Occasionally, your dermatologist may suggest that a small sample of skin (numbed by local anaesthetic) is removed at the hospital for examination under the microscope (a biopsy) in order to exclude other conditions.

Can melasma be cured?

No, at present there is no cure for melasma, but there are several treatment options that may improve the appearance. If melasma occurs during pregnancy, it may go away a few months after delivery and treatment may not be necessary- though it may come back during another pregnancy. Hydroquinone and retinoid creams should be avoided in pregnancy as they could harm the foetus. Even if it is treated, melasma often returns after stopping the treatments.

How can melasma be treated?

Melasma treatments fall into the following categories and can be used together:

  • Avoiding known triggers, such as birth control pills and hormone therapy.
  • Avoiding the sun and using sun-blocking creams.
  • Skin lightening creams.
  • Procedures such as chemical peels, microneedling and laser therapy.
  • Skin camouflage.

Self care (What can I do?)

The most important thing you can do if you have melasma is to protect your skin from sunlight exposure and avoid the using sunbeds.

If melasma improves, this effect can be maintained by protecting your skin from the sun.

Top sun safety tips

  • Protect your skin with adequate clothing, wear a hat that protects your face, neck and ears, and a pair of UV protective sunglasses. Choose sun protective clothing (with permanently sun-protective fabric, widely available for adults and children) if you have fair skin or many moles.
  • Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm when it’s sunny. Step out of the sun before your skin has a chance to redden or burn.
  • When choosing a sunscreen look for a high protection SPF (current recommendations are SPR 50 or 50+) to protect against UVB, and the UVA circle logo and/or 4 or 5 UVA stars to protect against UVA. Apply plenty of sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun, and reapply every two hours and straight after swimming and towel-drying.
  • Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight.
  • The British Association of Dermatologists recommends that you tell your doctor about any changes to a mole or patch of skin. If your GP is concerned about your skin you are advised to see a Consultant Dermatologist – an expert in diagnosing skin cancer. Your doctor can refer you for free through the NHS.
  • Sunscreens are not an alternative to clothing and shade, rather they offer additional protection. No sunscreen will provide 100% protection.

Vitamin D advice

The evidence relating to the health effects of serum Vitamin D levels, sunlight exposure and Vitamin D intake remains inconclusive. Avoiding all sunlight exposure if you suffer from light sensitivity, or to reduce the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers, may be associated with Vitamin D deficiency.

Individuals avoiding all sun exposure should consider having their serum Vitamin D measured. If levels are reduced or deficient they may wish to consider taking supplementary vitamin D3, 10-25 micrograms per day, and increasing their intake of foods high in Vitamin D such as oily fish, eggs, meat, fortified margarines and cereals. Vitamin D3 supplements are widely available from health food shops.

Images DermNetNZ.

This information is provided by the British Association of Dermatologists.

Keep up to date with the latest research and all things skin related with our newsletter.
introduction
introduction

Sign up for the latest research

Discover more news and information about

Enter your details below to get updates about this condition that may help you or read more on our website if you need further information right now.

introduction

Before you go…sign up for the latest research

Discover more news and information about our research

Enter your details below to get updates about this condition that may help you or read more on our website if you need further information right now.

lightbox
lightbox

Before you go…sign up for the latest research

Discover more news and information about our research

Enter your details below to get updates about this condition that may help you or read more on our website if you need further information right now.

Sensitive images

This directory contains sensitive content of skin conditions

This icon will show when the sensitive content is present.