What is the common name for a condition also known as melasma?

Melasma is commonly referred to as "pregnancy mask" due to its frequent occurrence in pregnant women, where hormonal changes can lead to the development of dark, discolored patches on the face. The term highlights how this skin condition can resemble a mask covering the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. Melasma is predominantly triggered by hormonal fluctuations, particularly those related to pregnancy, birth control, and hormone replacement therapy, in addition to sun exposure.

Other conditions mentioned do not share this same association. Pityriasis rosea is a distinct rash often characterized by a herald patch followed by smaller oval lesions; scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting connective tissues and is not related to skin discoloration; and pinpoint bleeding refers to small red spots on the skin typically associated with petechiae and does not link to melasma. Hence, referring to melasma as the "pregnancy mask" directly connects to its etiology and the demographic commonly affected.