Final answer:
Chloasma, or 'mask of pregnancy,' is a common skin condition characterized by patchy brown discoloration due to hormonal changes in pregnant women. These hormonal changes increase melanocyte-stimulating hormone and estrogen levels, affecting melanin production in the skin. The condition is one of many other skin changes during pregnancy and is different from other serious conditions that also cause skin color changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patchy Brown Skin Discoloration During Pregnancy. The occurrence of patchy brown skin discoloration, often referred to as chloasma or the "mask of pregnancy," is a common condition experienced by pregnant women due to hormonal changes. This hyperpigmentation can present as blotchy brown patches on the face and is caused by increased production of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) in conjunction with estrogens. The heightened estrogen levels stimulate melanin production, leading to these patches. In addition to chloasma, pregnant women may see other integumentary system changes, such as the linea nigra, a line of pigment from the umbilicus to the pubis, along with the darkening of the areolae. While the glow of pregnancy is a common myth, the reality of skin changes can be less flattering, including stretch marks (striae), new freckles, the darkening of moles, and possible acne flare-ups.
Other changes in skin coloration could signal health concerns unrelated to pregnancy, such as liver disease, Addison's disease, and even skin cancer. These are distinct conditions, and their symptoms extend beyond just pigmentation changes. For instance, the ABCDs of skin cancer highlight differences such as asymmetry, irregular borders, changing colors, and diameter, all of which are distinct from pregnancy-related hyperpigmentation. The patchy brown skin discoloration often seen as a result of hormonal changes or pregnancy is called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." Chloasma is characterized by the emergence of blotchy brown patches of skin on the face, and it occurs due to high estrogen levels during pregnancy. This pigmentation may also be accompanied by other skin changes, such as stretch marks on the abdomen. While pregnancy is often associated with glowing skin, it can actually cause various skin issues.