<prompt> Brown macular pigmentation in the malar area in a pregnant female is due to -Acne rosaceaChloasmaAcanthosis nigricansUrticaria pigmentosa  <response>: Ans. is b i.e., Chloasma Chloasma Melasma o Melasma Chlosma is the most common cause for facial pigmentation in Indian patients. There is Brown macular pigmentation on the malar area of face, forehead and sometimes chin. It usually affects young and middle-aged women. When melasma results from pregnancy it is referred as chloasma. o Two major etiological factors are : - Hormonal estrogen - Appears in pregnancy or in person on OCPs. Sun exposure - Especially UVB. o For treatment - Combination of topical hydroquinone 2-4, retinoic acid and topical corticosteroids. Other drugs are - Glycolic acid 4-10, Azelaic acid, topical vitamin C. 