melasma
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A common skin condition characterized by brown or gray-brown patches, typically appearing on the face. It is often associated with hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy or from oral contraceptive use, and sun exposure.
Usage
Melasma is a medical term used to describe a specific type of hyperpigmentation. It is most commonly used in dermatological and clinical contexts. - It is typically an uncountable noun (e.g., She has melasma). - It can sometimes be used with an article when referring to a specific case or instance (e.g., The melasma on her cheeks).
Examples
- The dermatologist diagnosed the dark facial patches as melasma.
- Melasma is sometimes called the "mask of pregnancy."
- Sunscreen is crucial for managing melasma and preventing it from worsening.
Advanced Usage
- Chloasma: This is a synonymous term often used interchangeably with melasma, particularly when related to pregnancy ("chloasma gravidarum").
- While strongly associated with female hormones, melasma can also affect men, though less frequently.
Variants and Related Words
- Chloasma (noun): A synonym for melasma.
- Hyperpigmentation (noun): The broader medical category for darkened skin areas, which includes melasma.
Synonyms
- Chloasma
- Mask of pregnancy (a colloquial term for pregnancy-related melasma)
Idioms or Common Phrases
There are no specific idioms for this medical term. It is used literally.
Noun
- a tan discoloration of a woman's face that is associated with pregnancy or with the use of oral contraceptives