Melasma is described as brown to gray-brown patches on the face and is more common in which group, often triggered during pregnancy?

• A. Occurs only in men.
• B. Is caused by a bacterial infection.
• C. Causes brown to gray-brown patches on the face and is more common in women; hormones may trigger it during pregnancy.
• D. Always resolves without treatment.

Answer: (C)

Melasma is a pigmentary condition where brown to gray-brown patches appear on the face, typically in areas exposed to the sun. The key point tested is that it occurs much more often in women and can be triggered by hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy. This is why it’s commonly associated with pregnancy and hormones. It’s not caused by an infection and it’s not limited to men, and it doesn’t always go away on its own—management often involves sun protection and topical treatments to lighten the skin.