Melasma, also called ‘chloasma’ and ‘pregnancy mask’, is a common skin condition of adults in which light to dark brown or greyish patches of pigmentation develop mainly on facial skin.

It is more common in women, especially pregnant women, and people with darker skin-types who live in sunny climates.

However, it can also affect men (10% of patients) and any race.

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.