chloasma

Melanoderma or melasma characterized by the occurrence of extensive brown patches of irregular shape and size on the skin of the face and elsewhere; the pigmented facial patches if confluent are also called the mask of pregnancy, and are associated most commonly with pregnancy and use of oral contraceptives. SEE ALSO: melasma. [G. chloazo, to become green]

- c. bronzinum a bronze-colored pigmentation, probably produced by hormone imbalance, occurring in gradually increasing areas on the face, neck, and chest in persons exposed continuously to the tropical sun; similar to c. of the temperate zone, but intensified because of strong sunlight. SYN: tropical mask.

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chlo·as·ma klō-'az-mə n, pl -ma·ta -mət-ə irregular brownish or blackish spots esp. on the face that occur sometimes in pregnancy and in disorders of or functional changes in the uterus and ovaries

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(melasma)

n.

ill-defined symmetrical brown patches on the cheeks or elsewhere on the face. Chloasma is a photosensitivity reaction in women on combined oral contraceptive pills or who are pregnant; very rarely it occurs in men. It can usually be prevented by the use of sunscreens.

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chlo·as·ma (klo-azґmə) [Gr. chloazein to be green] melasma.