Your Body: Are You Suffering from Malasma?
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iStock/ThinkstockBy DR. JENNIFER ASHTON, ABC News Senior Medical Contributor
If you have fair skin and notice immediate reactions when you go out in the sun without sunscreen, you could be suffering from malasma.
Malasma is a fairly common skin disorder that causes discoloration of the skin. Those with fair skin are more susceptible, but all skin colors could be affected.
Those who take birth control could also face a higher risk. The estrogen could actually make the pigmentation after a sunburn much worse than it would have been.
It’s also common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
Malasma causes brown to gray-brownish patches on the face. Most people get it on the cheeks, the bridges of their nose, their forehead or chin, or even on their upper lip.
Sun protection is key. If you do get discoloration, consider seeing a dermatologist who could treat it with prescription creams.
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