Melasma is a common acquired symmetrical hypermelanosis characterized by irregular light to dark brown macules and patches on sun-exposed areas of the skin. Its histopathological characteristics are not fully understood.
Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, and Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute for Medical Sciences, Ajou University School of Medicine, 5 Wonchon-dong, Paldal-ku, Suwon 442-721, Korea.