What condition is also known as melasma?

Melasma is a skin condition characterized by dark, discolored patches typically found on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. It is a specific type of hyperpigmentation that often develops due to hormonal changes, commonly experienced during pregnancy or as a side effect of birth control pills, and is also influenced by sun exposure and genetic predisposition.

Hyperpigmentation refers to an excess of melanin in the skin, leading to darker areas. Since melasma specifically fits within this category, identifying it as hyperpigmentation is accurate. This understanding is crucial because it helps guide the appropriate treatments and preventive measures to address melasma effectively, which can differ from other skin conditions that do not involve increased pigmentation.

In contrast, conditions like hypopigmentation involve a reduction in melanin and would not be described as melasma. Dermatitis and psoriasis are inflammatory skin conditions with distinct characteristics and symptoms that also do not correlate with melasma. Understanding the specific terminology and categorization of skin conditions is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment in facial care practices.