Chloasma

/kloʊˈæzmə/ noun

Definition

A medical condition causing irregular patches of darker skin pigmentation, often appearing on the face, commonly associated with pregnancy or sun exposure.

Etymology

From Greek chloasma, derived from chloe (green) + -asma (condition), literally 'green condition,' though the actual discoloration varies from brown to gray. The term dates to ancient Greek medical writings.

Kelly Says

Chloasma is so common in pregnancy that it earned the poetic name 'mask of pregnancy'—it's fascinating that this condition seems to follow ancient naming patterns that tried to describe conditions by color even when the color wasn't quite right.

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