Melasma is a pigmentary disorder due to excess production from melanin producing cells that typically appear in sun-exposed areas. To date research has implicated a number of factors from UV-rays and/or hormonal changes to certain medications and chemicals… as either triggering or exacerbating the condition..
Melasma is more common in darker skin types due to more pigment-producing cells, and in females it has been associated with hormones including thyroid autoimmunity. sun exposure, genetics, and certain medications including oral contraceptives and some anti-epileptic drugs (e.g., phenytoin).
Characterized by brown or blue-grey patches or spots resembling freckles which are essentially areas of hyper/hypo pigmentation and/or erythematous pigmented macules; its more prevalent amongst females (9:1 ratio) this varies cross-culturally, and in pregnancy but is rare before puberty.
