Melasma (also known as chloasma) is characterised by tan or brown patches on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Although this condition is typically termed the 'pregnancy mask', men can also develop this condition. Remember to consult your physician or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis of this condition before you choose to treat it yourself. If you have melasma, use a sunscreen at all times because sunlight worsens your condition.

Symptoms of Chloasma

It looks a lot like some brown colored spots or freckles which can be seen over the cheeks, forehead, nose and the upper lips. It usually has the same symptoms as that caused by sun exposure.

How is melasma(chloasma) caused?

Chloasma (the mask of pregnancy) is triggered by exposure to the sun. It often occurs in pregnant women or in women who take birth control pills. Melasma frequently goes away after pregnancy, but sometimes it may stay on your face even after childbirth or birth control pills are discontinued. Common sites for melasma include the upper lip, under the eyes, and on the upper cheeks.

Treatment and Cure for Melasma to get rid of it

Melasma can be treated with certain prescription creams and some over the counter skin care products. In general, dermatologists use the same methods to treat melasma as they treat other sun-related brown discolorations and blotchiness. Some of the treatments that your doctor may prescribe may be:

The most common treatment is a prescription bleaching cream used with or without the antiwrinkle cream Renova and the anti acne cream Azelex. If the areas of melasma are small, they can be treated with the pigment gel kogic acid (purchased at a dermatologist's office) or with a direct freezing spray.
Lasers that specialize in removing brown pigment are also used to remove melasma, including the Ruby, Alexandrite, and Neodymium:Yag laser.
If your melasma covers a fairly large area, chemical peels can be used to help lighten the darker pigmentation. These peels are often used in combination with nightly creams like Renova or alphahydroxy acids and bleaching creams.
Wearing sunscreen on a regular basis helps to prevent melasma from becoming worse.

Consult your dermatologist before starting any treatments to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each of the above treatments.

Melasma Prevention

There is no prevention for melasma as such. You may use sunscreen lotion on your face while going out in sun, but it is'nt a very effective prevention for melasma