Melasma, or chloasma, is an acquired pigmentation appearing as brown-grey patches on the forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, neck, or arms due to an over production of melanin that is related with hormonal activity. The condition is commonly seen in women during pregnancy and women who have taken oral contraceptives or hormone therapy. Although this condition most often appears in women, one in ten cases are present in men. Furthermore, people with dark to olive skin tones have higher incidences of acquiring melasma patches, such as those who descend from a Latin or Hispanic, North African, African-American, Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, or Mediterranean background.
It does not pose a health risk, but treatment may be desirable if the appearance of the pigmented patches is a cosmetic concern.
