What is a common appearance of melasma?

Melasma is characterized by the presence of dark patches or brown spots on the skin, particularly on the face. This pigmentation disorder is often associated with hormonal changes, sun exposure, and genetics. The dark spots are usually symmetrical and commonly appear on areas that receive high sun exposure, such as the cheeks, forehead, chin, and upper lip.

In contrast, options that mention red and flaky skin, excessive dryness, or inflammation typically point to other skin conditions. For instance, red and flaky skin might be indicative of conditions like eczema or psoriasis, while excessive dryness could be associated with dry skin conditions or dermatitis. Inflammation, although it can occur in various skin issues, does not describe the primary characteristic of melasma. Thus, recognizing dark spots as the hallmark of melasma helps to accurately identify and understand this skin condition.