More than 6 million women are estimated to have melasma. (Men can develop it, but it is rare.) It is more common in people with light brown skin, especially Hispanics and Asians.

The majority of melasma cases occur during pregnancy or with oral contraceptive use, but women who are taking hormone replacement therapy can also develop melasma. Between 50% and 70% of pregnant women experience melasma, usually during the second or third trimester. Melasma seems to run in families — if your mother and grandmother had melasma, you are more likely to develop it.

Melasma can be embarrassing, especially in a society where appearance is important and valued. Luckily, there are medications that may help treat your melasma. Talk to your dermatologist about the therapy that is right for you.