What is the medical term for pregnancy mask?

The term that accurately refers to “pregnancy mask” is melasma. Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by brown or gray-brown patches, typically found on the face. It often appears during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, hence the name "pregnancy mask." These hormonal fluctuations can increase melanin production in the skin, leading to the formation of these patches, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip.

Chloasma is another name for melasma and can sometimes cause confusion, as both terms refer to similar pigment changes; however, melasma is the more specific term used to describe the condition in the context of pregnancy. Hyperpigmentation is a broader term that refers to an increase in skin pigmentation and can describe various conditions but does not specifically target the pattern or cause associated with melasma. Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that can result in redness and irritation but does not refer to changes in pigmentation typical of melasma. Thus, melasma is the most appropriate and specific term to describe the "pregnancy mask."