Malasma & Pregnancy Mask

Malasma, sometimes referred to as pregnancy mask, is a common condition seen in women, related to hormones (estrogen) and sun exposure. With malasma, the skin darkens in patches of tan to brown, primarily on the sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck and arms. Malasma and/or pregnancy mask is frequently exacerbated during pregnancy, at menopause, and with the use of oral contraceptives. Malasma is also seen with over sun exposure, some cosmetics, and sun sensitive drugs such as seizure medications or some antibiotics. (The pregnancy mask phenomenon is limited to the face.) Although most sun exposure throughout the day is brief, it can be cumulative. Consequently, the brief exposures without sunscreen can cause the dramatic changes in skin pigmentation known as malasma. Chloasma is another name for malasma and pregnancy mask.