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Melasma

Contributors: Lauren Ko, Stephanie Diamantis MD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Melasma is an acquired disorder of hyperpigmentation typically affecting sun-exposed areas of the face. The condition is more common in women with darker skin phototypes (including those of Hispanic and Asian descent). Melasma rarely occurs before puberty, with onset most often in the reproductive years. It has also been rarely reported in males.

Melasma is characterized by irregularly bordered, evenly pigmented tan macules on the face. Darker macules may sometimes be seen ("dermal melasma"). Although the pathophysiology of melasma is poorly understood, thyroid autoimmunity, ultraviolet radiation, hyperestrogenism (pregnancy, contraception), genetics, and anti-epileptic medications are known to be contributing factors.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L81.1 – Chloasma

SNOMEDCT:
36209000 – Melasma

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Diagnostic Pearls

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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

Best Tests

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Management Pearls

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Therapy

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Drug Reaction Data

Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.

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References

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Last Reviewed:07/10/2017
Last Updated:06/09/2019
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Patient Information for Melasma
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Contributors: Medical staff writer

Overview

Melasma is a common disorder of unknown cause that causes dark (hyperpigmented) patches, primarily on the face. The condition is marked by brown patches that worsen in response to increases of the hormone estrogen, such as during pregnancy or with the use of birth control pills. Other medications, such as anti-seizure medications, may also cause melasma. Increased sun exposure can also be a cause.

Who’s At Risk

  • Although the condition is more common in women, men can also have melasma.
  • People with darker skin are generally more likely to have it.
  • Family history increases likelihood of developing melasma.

Signs & Symptoms

The dark patches of melasma most commonly affect the face, particularly the sides (lateral portions) of the cheeks and sometimes the skin above the lips.

Self-Care Guidelines

  • Protect your skin from sun exposure to prevent worsening, and use a combined UVB+UVA sunscreen.
  • Use sunscreen year-round, since the skin is very sensitive to even small amounts of ultraviolet (UV) light.
  • With your doctor's permission, stop using medications that may be causing your melasma.

When to Seek Medical Care

Melasma is a benign condition that does not require treatment, but if it becomes bothersome, see your doctor.

Treatments

  • Use bleaching agents (hydroquinone 4%) carefully. Do not apply these agents to the normally pigmented surrounding skin, as normal skin may also be bleached. Use hydroquinone under the supervision of a physician, as side effects, such as darkening of the skin, may occur.
  • Hydroquinone is often irritating and may require the use of 1% hydrocortisone cream, which may also help with the hyperpigmentation. Combination therapy with tretinoin cream may also be helpful.
  • Superficial chemical peels (application of an acid to remove the top layers of the skin) and microdermabrasion (a facial sanding technique) may offer additional help.
  • A topical agent, azelaic acid, may be helpful.
  • Laser therapy has not yet been shown to be satisfactory treatment. Melasma may return and hyperpigmentation may develop in the treated area.

References


Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.975-976. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed. pp.868-869, 1316, 2507. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.
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Melasma
A medical illustration showing key findings of Melasma : Superior lip, Hyperpigmented patches, Cheeks
Clinical image of Melasma - imageId=425827. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'An evenly pigmented tan patch on the upper cutaneous lip.'
An evenly pigmented tan patch on the upper cutaneous lip.
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