| Disease | Injury | Nutrition | Poison |
| Special Topic | Surgery | Symptoms | Test |
| |
| Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention |
Melasma |
| Alternative Names: |
| Chloasma; Mask of pregnancy; Pregnancy mask |
| Treatment: |
A combination of tretinoin cream and a bleaching cream containing hydroquinone may be helpful in fading some types of melasma. Occasionally, your physician may add chemical peels or topical steroid creams as well. In severe cases, laser treatments can be used to remove the dark pigment. Most importantly, however, sun avoidance and daily sunscreen use are key to avoiding melasma. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| Melasma often fades over several months after stopping oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy or after delivering a child. It may return with additional pregnancies or use of these medications.
|
| Calling your health care provider: |
| Call your physician if you have persistent darkening of your face. |
Reviewed By: Jeffrey Drayer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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