Melasma
Pronunciation: meh-LAZ-muh
A chronic acquired hyperpigmentation disorder characterised by symmetrical brown to gray-brown macules, typically on sun-exposed facial areas, strongly associated with hormonal influences and UV exposure.
Full Definition
Melasma presents as irregular, confluent pigmented patches predominantly on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin, and is classified by depth of pigment as epidermal, dermal, or mixed on Wood's lamp examination. It is disproportionately prevalent in women of reproductive age and in individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types III–VI. In editorial contexts, the condition was historically referred to as chloasma—particularly the hormonally triggered form during pregnancy, called the 'mask of pregnancy'—but 'melasma' is now the universally preferred clinical term. Editors should be alert to the outdated synonym chloasma, which may appear in older source texts and should be updated. Management copy frequently references combination therapies including topical depigmenting agents, sunscreen, and procedural treatments.
Usage
Usage note: Chloasma is now considered outdated; flag it for replacement. Do not conflate with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which has a distinct aetiology.
In Context
- "The editor replaced all instances of 'chloasma' with 'melasma' throughout the review article to reflect current clinical nomenclature." — Peer-reviewed review article
- "Patient-facing copy describing melasma should avoid the informal phrase 'liver spots', which refers to a distinct condition." — Patient education brochure