discoloration

I have a patch of brownish skin just above my upper lip.  It developed over a year ago, and has not gone away.  What can I do?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Cheryl:

Most likely, the pigmentation represents chloasma, sometimes called (iaccurately) the "mak of pregnancy."  Its cause is unknown, though it's more common in women.  Treatment is slow, but application of lightening creams and retin-A usually works.  Se a doctor about this, I suggest.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff