 “Mask of Pregnancy” is a tan or dark skin discoloration.  Mostly in women who are taking oral or patch contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications.

 The pigmentation is due to overproduction of melanin produced by the pigment cells, melanocytes.

 Patches of grey – brown patches on face.  Melasma doesn’t cause any symptoms but many people dislike the way melasma makes their skin look  These patches most commonly appear on the : › Cheeks › Forehead › Bridge of the nose › Above the upper lip › Chin

 The cause is not clear.  People with skin of color are more prone to melasma because they have more active melanocytes  Sun exposure  A change in horomones  Cosmetics

 It can fade on its own  Hydroquinone – topical ointment, non- prescription  Tretinoin and corticosteroids- enhances skin lightening  Procedures – chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermabrasion

 If melasma goes untreated, it isn't that big of a deal but it could possibly never go away.

 Not positively hereditary but studies show that most people with a family history of melasma inherit it.  Mostly common among women but some cases show men have melasma  Mostly pregnant women who had been taking hormones get melasma

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