Melasma (also known as chloasma faciei,[1]: 854  or the mask of pregnancy[2] when present in pregnant women) is a tan or dark skin discoloration.

The discoloration usually disappears spontaneously over a period of several months after giving birth or stopping the oral contraceptives or hormone treatment.

[5] In addition, women with a light brown skin type who are living in regions with intense sun exposure are particularly susceptible to developing this condition.

Melasma suprarenale (Latin: 'above the kidneys') is a symptom of Addison's disease, particularly when caused by pressure or minor injury to the skin, as discovered by FJJ Schmidt of Rotterdam in 1859.

[21] More recently, a systematic review found that oral medications also have a role in melasma treatment, and have been shown to be efficacious with a minimal number and severity of adverse events.

Oral medications and dietary supplements employed in the treatment of melasma include tranexamic acid, Polypodium leucotomos extract, beta‐carotenoid, melatonin, and procyanidin.

In an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 56 Filipino women, treatment was associated with significant improvements in the left and right malar regions, and was safe and well tolerated.

The use of broad-spectrum sunscreens with physical blockers, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, is preferred,[24] because UV-A, UV-B, and visible lights are all capable of stimulating pigment production.