Understanding Melasma: A Comprehensive Overview of the Skin Condition

To provide a comprehensive overview of melasma, including its characteristics, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Definition: Melasma is a cutaneous disorder characterized by dark patches appearing on the face.
Prevalence: Affects approximately 1 in 100 individuals, more common in women of reproductive age and among people of African, Asian, Hispanic, and Middle Eastern ancestry.
Causes: Poorly understood; linked to sun exposure, hormonal factors, and family history.
Diagnosis: Clinicians diagnose melasma through skin examination; tools like dermatoscopes or Wood lamps may be used.
Treatment: Includes daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, topical creams, oral tranexamic acid, and procedures like chemical peels and laser treatments.

Melasma lesions are typically symmetric and can be tan, brown, or gray-brown.
Treatment may improve melasma but does not cure it; noticeable improvement may take several months.

Melasma may resolve without treatment in some cases, particularly related to pregnancy or medications.
The precise cause of melasma remains poorly understood.