Melasma is quite a common skin problem. It is usually a discoloured patch of brown skin often found on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, chin or above the top lip. It can also appear on the neck up arms.

It can be triggered by the use a birth control pill, pregnancy, hormone therapy, stress, thyroid disease and sun exposure. The exact cause is unknown, and while it does tend to run in families, it is not contagious and is not due to allergy.

It is usually a discoloured patch of brown skin often found on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, chin or above the top lip. It can also appear on the neck up arms.

It can be triggered by the use a birth control pill, pregnancy, hormone therapy, stress, thyroid disease and sun exposure.

The exact cause is unknown, and while it does tend to run in families, it is not contagious and is not due to allergy.

It can be treated using a bespoke regime of medicated skin care with the inclusion of superficial, medium depth or deep skin peels for maximal results.