Without being too technical this is just another word for describing hyperpigmentation of the skin. It is often associated with patches on the skin and this can be on the face and on the nose.

They are also commonly known as liver spots, and it is usually the face that is affected the most, but any area of the skin that has been exposed to the sun can be affected including the hands.

The word Melasma is derived from the Greek word Chloasma which means to be black. But the condition is not really about colour, but the appearance of the patches to appear to be black in appearance. Regardless of the origination of the word, the people that are suffering from it find the condition to be uncomfortable.

Hormone level changes appear to influence the condition of Melasma and this is why it can happen to women who are pregnant. Taking birth control pills can also promote the condition. There is also genetics as well as exposure to the sun for long periods of time. Freckles are also a form of Melasma too.

If you do have freckles then you need to be careful about the amount of sun exposure that you give yourself as too much will cause the freckles to become much larger in size.

Any kind of scarring such as burns or acne can also lead to hyperpigmentation as well as operations. But you need to remember that not every single injury or operation will result in hyperpigmentation.

The condition of Melasma can affect just about anyone and to any race and to both men and women also. But it appears to be very common in people who have light brown skin, and women seem to develop it more than males.

There are a range of products available and many are effective but they also take their time so do not expect any overnight results. Generally the products are bleaching products and you can get them without a prescription. Those that do require a prescription are much stronger. But you should seek medical advice before you start bleaching your skin.

One of the steps your doctor may suggest is a cream to apply to the affected areas. You may also be suggested consider a form of laser treatment which may or may not help, as it can make the condition much worse.

One thing that you need to do if you have Melasma is to see if you are being exposed to the sun too much or if you have some kind of hormonal imbalance. In either case there will be something that can be done.

Whatever treatment you choose you need to bear in mind that you may need to wait 6 months before you see any results, and if you are in the sun always be sure that you are protected with a good sun screen or a sun block.