Melasma

When it comes to melasma, New Jersey’s Skin & Laser Center of NJ explains that this common skin problem impacts roughly half of all pregnant patients. The cause of this condition is not completely known, but it often occurs in relation to pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone replacement pills, or other hormonal changes. For this reason, it’s thought to be caused by hormones. Unfortunately, when the pregnancy ends or the birth control or hormone pills are discontinued, the skin changes often persist. It typically appears as brown to gray-brown patches on the face—usually on the cheeks or upper lip—but can appear in other areas as well. There are some treatments for this condition, but the discoloration is likely to recur with sun exposure, and there is no cure.

Often called the “mask of pregnancy” because it is so common among pregnant patients, melasma is caused by an overproduction of melanocytes, which are the cells that give your skin its color. Fortunately, melasma is harmless, painless, and noncancerous, typically fading within a few months. Because it often resembles certain skin cancers, it is still a good idea to visit your dermatologist for a formal diagnosis to ensure the condition is, in fact, melasma. For patients who are embarrassed or uncomfortable about these discolored patches of skin, Skin & Laser Center of NJ offers several effective, noninvasive treatment options.