Melasma
Melasma, also called "Mask of Pregnancy," occurs as brown patches on the face and forehead. It occurs most often during pregnancy, or with oral contaceptive use, and sometimes at menopause, especially after administration of estrogen. Occasionally the use of the drug, Dilantin, may also cause melasma. Treatment involves the use of the bleaching cream, hydroquinone, which requires a prescription, and strict avoidance of sun exposure. Even after successful treatment, melasma can recur.
