Melasma
Pronunciation: meh-LAZ-muh
A common acquired hyperpigmentation disorder presenting as symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches, predominantly on sun-exposed facial areas.
Full Definition
Melasma is a chronic, relapsing condition involving the overproduction of melanin, most frequently affecting the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin. It is strongly associated with UV exposure, hormonal influences (pregnancy, oral contraceptives), and genetic predisposition. In aesthetic dermatology copy, editors must distinguish melasma from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), solar lentigines, and freckles, as treatments differ significantly. Melasma is sometimes misspelled 'melosma' or 'melizma' in lay copy. The adjective is 'melasmic' or, less commonly, 'melasmoid'.
Usage
Usage note: 'Chloasma' is an older synonym now reserved by some authorities for pregnancy-associated melasma; prefer 'melasma' in general aesthetic clinical copy. Do not confuse with PIH.
In Context
- "The patient presented with refractory melasma across the malar region, having previously used a topical hydroquinone regimen." — Consultation note
- "Copy describing the treatment referred to 'chloasma'; the editor updated this to 'melasma', as chloasma now specifically denotes the pregnancy-related subtype." — Editorial revision note