Your healthcare provider may administer the test. Beyond that, the dark patches on the face can be exacerbated by sun exposure, the use of certain skin care products or treatments, and even genetics. However, it can make people self-conscious about their appearance. Treatments include topical medications like: Your doctor may also recommend certain acids that lighten the skin, alone or in combination. Melanin in the dermis within melanophages. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. If hyperpigmentation started in pregnancy or after birth control pills, or worsens in summer, that would suggest melasma, he says. Careful sun protection is key. Skin Conditions During Pregnancy | ACOG Skin Conditions During Pregnancy Frequently Asked Questions Common Skin Changes Expand All What are some of the common skin changes that happen during pregnancy? Melanin is the natural substance that gives color to hair, skin, and eyes. Melasma is a very common skin disorder, especially among pregnant women. Exposure to sunlight can make it more noticeable. Chemical peels address discoloration by exfoliating the top layers of skin, allowing newer and more evenly toned skin cells to rise to the surface. Is there a history of melasma in your family? We'll tell you what to avoid and some good, Skin tags are common during pregnancy and can be painful. (This can occur whether or not you choose to breastfeed, because estrogen and progesterone are not the hormones involved in lactationthose would be prolactin and oxytocin.). Other ways to diagnose melasma involve a special blacklight lamp, called a Woods lamp, which would quite literally shine a light on the different types of melasma we discussed. Even if its hot outside, loose-fitting clothing can be comfortable and protect your skin. Dr. Geddes-Bruce is fellowship-trained in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. They are generally tan or brownish in color, but can look blue-gray on people with naturally darker skin color. What causes these skin changes during pregnancy? Hydroquinone-induced exogenous ochronosis. Will I still have melasma after my pregnancy? For more brightening oomph, they may recommend exfoliating treatments, such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels, which slough away dead skin cells to promote skin rejuvenation. and the condition. Retinoid treatments and many chemical peels sometimes used to treat hyperpigmentation in facial treatments are a no-go when youre expecting. Safety of skin care products during pregnancy, Utilization of Laser Therapy During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of the Maternal and Fetal Effects Reported From 1960 to 2017, Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. Melasma is a harmless skin condition. Melasma: a clinical and epidemiological review. Chemical peels and lasers may cause the surface layers of skin to die, cause post-procedure hyperpigmentation, and cause hypertrophic scars. If youre exercising, try avoiding peak sun hours in your area, generally the middle of the day. Melasma. Melasma can return. Melasma is also sometimes referred to as the mask of pregnancy because the splotches typically show up around your upper lip, nose, cheekbones, and forehead in the shape of a mask. Hormone treatments, specifically ones that involve estrogen. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. Consuming turmeric in pregnancy is a debated subject. Your healthcare provider might test your vitamin D levels to make sure that youre getting enough of it from high vitamin D foods such as meat, cereals, oily fish and eggs. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Non-pregnancy related hormonal changes like oral contraceptives may also cause skin hyperpigmentation. It is common, harmless and some treatments may help. Melasma is a skin disorder where the melanocytes (color-producing cells) in your skin produce extra pigment for some reason. No. Ask your healthcare provider if youre concerned about another condition. Shell also sometimes prescribe oral medication to slow down the rate of re-pigmentation and rebounding. Read on to learn about what causes melasma during pregnancy and how to treat it. Wear abroad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on your face all day, every day, even if youre not going outside, since harmful rays can come right through your windows. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading ourmedical review and editorial policy. 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. But you dont have to just live with it. There are treatment options. You may be able to lighten your melasma using ingredients from your pantry. If you take preventative measures and follow any treatments recommended by your healthcare provider, your melasma might disappear. Melasma can potentially be prevented by always wearing sunscreen and a hat while in the sun. Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment. 2. Melasma, which causes patchy areas of discoloration that sometimes resemble freckles, is most likely to appear on the cheeks, but it can also develop elsewhere. However, it is not likely to go away while youre pregnant or taking hormone contraceptives. Its often used to treat hyperpigmentation as well as rosacea and acne during pregnancy and is available in prescription form and over-the-counter gels, foams and creams. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Skin conditions during pregnancy. 2019. Be sure that youre rounding out your diet by consuming supplemental omega-3 fatty acids. Its dark brown in color, has well-defined borders, glows under blacklight, and can respond well to treatment. (2020). Again, there are a variety of factors at play when it comes to darkening pigment. Melasma typically darkens and lightens over time, often getting worse in the summer and better in the winter. Cat is a linguistic alchemist and expert wordsmith who has written and edited for some of the world's biggest brands. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Here are ways of reducing melasma on the face during pregnancy: 1. I use a variety of modalities to treat this conditionspecific topicals and chemical peels, she shares. Melanin is what gives skin its color. A dermatologist will be able to perform treatments that your usual healthcare provider may not be able to. Unmasking the Causes and Treatments of Melasma, Treatment of Melasma and the Use of Intense Pulsed Light: A Review, Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications, A Review of Laser and Light Therapy in Melasma, New Changes in Pregnancy and Lactation Labelling: Review of Dermatologic Drugs, Melasma: An Up-to-Date Comprehensive Review, reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts. Pregnancy woes: 4 common skin issues Melasma, or chloasma, as it's called during pregnancy, appears mostly on the face, on sun-exposed areas like your cheeks, nose, upper lip and forehead, says Raymond. See your dermatologist in that instance. Melasma sometimes resolves itself one hormonal balance is restored. It is not visible under blacklight and is much more challenging to treat. This increased workload can cause shortness of breath and fatigue, and it is essential to take breaks and rest when needed. Primary symptoms include darkening patches of skin on the face, especially around the forehead, cheekbones, nose and upper lip. If you experience these signs or develop severe irritation, you may be dealing with another condition. And make sure youre getting the right treatment by confirming the diagnosis with your healthcare provider. Your belly gets larger and your blood volume increases as your baby grows. Your skin color and type may make this condition more or less noticeable. Policy. Youre also at risk if you take oral contraceptives and hormones. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Limit sunbathing and try relaxing under a tree or umbrella instead. Those with a combination of ingredients that help using different pathways to diminish pigment.. Pregnancy melasma, also known as a " pregnancy mask," is an extremely common condition that causes skin hyperpigmentation (i.e. Your melasma is likely to go away when youre no longer pregnant. Pregnancy is not the only cause of melasma. You may also develop dark patches on your cheeks, along your jawline, or on your forearms and other parts of your body that are exposed to the sun. If the skin changes are bothersome, consider another birth control option. What Causes a Melasma Mustache and How to Treat It, Your Guide to a Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care Routine, Why You May Get Skin Tags During Pregnancy, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, What Are the Symptoms of Hyperovulation?, Pregnancy Friendly Recipe: Creamy White Chicken Chili with Greek Yogurt, What You Should Know About Consuming Turmeric During Pregnancy, Pregnancy-Friendly Recipe: Herby Gruyre Frittata with Asparagus and Sweet Potatoes, The Best Stretch Mark Creams and Belly Oils for Pregnancy in 2023. Dealing with melasma during pregnancy can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Vitamin D helps keep your skin healthy in general. Ahead, were discussing everything you need to know about pregnancy melasma, including what it is, what causes it, and how you can both treat and help prevent it. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. During pregnancy, the body goes through significant hormonal changes. Were explaining why this occurs, below. The same increased production of melanin that causes the facial splotches of melasma also causes the linea nigra, or dark line that you may notice running down your belly. It may take several months for your hormones to balance and skin pigmentation to fade. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. 1 But certain conditions, like postpartum acne and dry skin, may be caused by the hormonal changes that happen during breastfeeding. Are the soaps Im using right now aggravating my melasma (come with a list if you need to)? Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. The linea nigra will probably fade back to its pre-pregnancy color several months after you deliver your baby, but may not completely disappear. The agents listed above rarely eradicate all of the melasma. Most treatments take time to work, so the spots will fade gradually. It largely affects people who were assigned female at birtha whopping 90% of themduring their reproductive years, when theyre 20 to 40 years old. Journal of Experimental and Basic Medical Sciences. 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. UV light exposure only makes hyperpigmentation worse by further darkening skin. Spontaneous recovery back to pre-pregnancy levels usually occurs within 6-12 months. If youre susceptible to pregnancy melasma, unprotected sun exposure can worsen it. Swap out face washes, lotions or creams that contain fragrances or coloring. First, apply the concealer to the patchy spots. But, keep in mind, once you experience this patchwork discoloration, youre more susceptible to it recurring if you become pregnant again. Melasma appears most often during the second or third trimester, as hormonal changes increase. Read our, Why Does Melasma Develop During Pregnancy. With that being said, most people with melasma dont require treatmentits a personal choice. 2003 Oct;1(1): e27. However, to keep your skin healthy in general, try a skin-healthy diet of foods rich in Vitamin D: Those with melasma are more likely to have a thyroid disease. We avoid using tertiary references. One of the only topical lightening ingredients thats considered safe to use during pregnancy, azelaic acid hasnt been linked to birth defects in animal studies. Warm compresses (running warm water over your breasts in the shower or applying a warm washcloth) and massages will probably clear the duct in a few days. Don't expect instant results it may take many months to see improvement. Learn more aboutour editorial and medical review policies. Birth control pills, pregnancy, and hormone therapy can all help trigger melasma. So easy and delicious. Some of the topical options include hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and tretinoin. The same goes for makeup you may use to conceal the dark areas. These areas may get darker the more youre exposed to the sun or the further along you are in your pregnancy. (Youre beautiful all the same.). What's more, skin that's already more pigmented such as your nipples, freckles, scars, and the skin of your genitals may become even darker during pregnancy. Shipping, Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes, Prevention and Treatment, Non-pregnancy related hormonal imbalances. Pregnant women have increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Take preventative steps like avoiding sunlight to keep your melasma from getting worse or, if it does fade away, to keep it from coming back. Melasma can appear at any time during pregnancy, but it develops most often during the second or third trimester when certain hormone levels are increasing. Yes, its possible that your melasma will go away on its own within a few months. Melasma is sometimes called the mask of pregnancy because it frequently affects pregnant women. Medications that may cause or worsen melasma. Signs of melasma during pregnancy Melasma occurs most often on the face as brown or grayish-brown patches that sometimes look blotchy. Most people with melasma have a history of daily or intermittent sun exposure, although heat is also suspected to be an underlying factor. Not all laser therapies are ideal for treating discoloration. Pregnant women get melasma more often than anyone else. The mechanism that causes Melasma is not well understood, but there is a strong correlation between hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, ovarian cysts, etc. After pregnancy, you may ask your dermatologist about other treatments if your melasma doesnt fade on its own. If you are currently expecting, or thinking about becoming pregnant, this post will cover everything you need to know about pregnancy-induced melasma, including ways to prevent occurrence and treatment options. Can I Use Vitamin C in Skincare While Pregnant? Exactly How to Treat the Skin Discoloration. If youve noticed new, dark skin splotches on your face, youve probably got melasma which is often called the mask of pregnancy. But youre not alone this condition affects an estimated 50 to 75 percent of expectant mothers. Ali, S, Bali S, P S. Hormonal evaluation in females having melasma. For some women, contraceptives containing estrogen (such as the Pill, the patch, and the vaginal ring) can also contribute to melasma. Another, less common name for melasma, is chloasma. Goodarzi A, et al. A topical treatment isnt your only option. If youre using concealer or foundation to cover your melasma, choose products developed for sensitive skin. A few alternative remedies, like turmeric and aloe vera, have shown at least some success at improving melasma. An increase in estrogen levels can worsen melasma. Melasma does not cause any itching or pain and has no other physical symptoms. For many people, pregnancy melasma can improve after youre no longer pregnantonce your hormonal levels return to their normal, pre-pregnant levels. An Bras Dermatol. A safer choice would be azeleic acid which is completely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. First and foremost, try to resist the urge to self-diagnose. Check out our article on safe skin care during pregnancy. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. In addition to topical treatments and oral medication, Dr. Belkin recommends going that route, with a couple of caveats. Youre also at a higher risk for it if you a have darker skin tone. It's typically diagnosed after an individual develops multiple pregnancies at once. The outer layer is the epidermis, the middle is the dermis, and the deepest layer is the subcutis. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. General Health. What Helps With Melasma During Pregnancy? If you feel that its negatively impacting your life, or you have any other concerns, try not to suffer in silence. If it doesnt, pursue treatment options with your healthcare provider. Estimates vary, but up to 70% of pregnant people develop melasma. Yes, it's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. 2017;3(1):11-20. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.01.004. Can Melasma Be Prevented During Pregnancy? Accessed 7/23/20. darkening), especially among people who are pregnant. Chloasma may also be worsened by hormonal imbalances that may have been present even before pregnancy. Some topical products we have found safe to use during pregnancy are Vitamin-C, Azelaic Acid, Lytera 2.0, and physical sunscreen. Trivedi MK, Yang FC, Cho BK. To determine a treatment plan, your healthcare provider will have to first figure out whats possibly causing the melasma. Fortunately, melasma typically fades after about three months. There are three types of melasma and they have to do with the depth of the pigment. 2011;57(6):665-667. Yes, it's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. There are dermatologists who can help you. Pain, itchiness, or soreness are not symptoms of melasma. If it doesn't, there are treatments to help fade melasma, though they can take some time to be effective, and sometimes it comes back. However, she particularly enjoys the medical, aesthetic, pharma, mental health, and beauty realms. However, you can take certain precautions to lower your risk of developing it while pregnant or otherwise. When your skin heals from the treatment, it may cause even more discoloration. People with more pigment in their skin for example, those of African, North African, Middle Eastern, Latin or Hispanic, Asian, Indian, or Mediterranean descent are more likely to develop chloasma, as they naturally have more active melanin production. There are also other tactics you can try. Ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the sun are key in making melasma worse. Causes of melasma in pregnancy Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. Choose a method of birth control that doesnt include hormones. All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Since melasma often goes away on its own within a few months of giving birth, your healthcare provider may recommend that you don't treat it. The first thing you need to do to treat your melasma is to make sure that it doesnt get any worse. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). "Hydroquinone at 2-4% works miracles for women with a pregnancy mask," Dr. Zenovia shares. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Is it sunlight? We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Melasma can be managed, but often not entirely cured, in the sense that in someone who is predisposed, it can always come back. Melasma is only a pigmentary concern, and does not affect the health of the mother or baby. Melasma is a super common skin condition characterized by hyperpigmentation on certain areas of the face, explains Dan Belkin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the New York Dermatology Group in NYC. Azelaic cream, lotion, or gel can sting. There's no proven link between. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. There are some procedures that your dermatologist can do to improve your melasma. ), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. If you're seeking a preventive, we've gathered a few of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. These steps may prevent your melasma from getting worse. Your dermatologist or other healthcare provider will examine your skin to diagnose melasma. The good news: Pregnancy mask is usually temporary and fades after delivery or, in some cases, after you finish breastfeeding. Melasma appears slowly, and the spots are usually larger than those from sun damage or age. This can occur when youre pregnant due to an increase in hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone. Some people have melasma for years or their entire lives. 1st ed. If other treatments haven't helped, a dermatologist can lighten dark spots with laser treatments, but that's not the first option. Loosely translated, the word means black spot. If you have melasma youre probably experiencing light brown, dark brown and/or blue-gray patches on your skin. It sometimes affects your arms, neck and back. They can appear as flat patches or freckle-like spots. Changing hormones, particularly the excess of estrogen and progesterone, is the main cause of melasma during pregnancy. What Is Pregnancy Melasma? The mask of pregnancy technically called melasma appears when a steep rise in estrogen and progesterone levels stimulates excess melanin production, also known as hyperpigmentation. 2 However, there's not enough info to recommend aloe or turmeric as melasma treatments, and conventional treatments work faster and grant better end results. Occasionally, you might get it on the chest or arms, but that's unusual. When it appears on the upper lip, it's referred to as a, It's important for everyone to use sunscreen there's no exception for pregnancy. If it bothers you, Dr. Belkin recommends using a tinted sunscreen to help, well, mask your pregnancy mask.. Can Fam Physician. When you are outside, reapply sunscreen once every two hours. You may notice your nipples/areolas, armpits, or genitals become darker. Melasma can even occur in men, although its far more common in women. This skin disorder can affect your social life if youre feeling self-conscious about it. Barsh G. What Controls Variation in Skin Color? Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. Use sunscreen Using sunscreen is one of the best ways to ward off the harmful effects of sun exposure. Y. ou can also be sure to eat a healthy, skin-friendly diet that contains plenty of nutrients and vitamin D. Foods that fit the bill include eggs (only if theyre fully cooked), yogurt, meat (fully cooked), fish high in fatty acids (also fully cooked), and mushrooms. Depending on the person, melasma may go away on its own, it may be permanent, or it may respond to treatment within a few months. Another exfoliation option would be to have a laser skin resurfacing treatment. Is it normal to have melasma during pregnancy? This common condition occurs in 50-70% of pregnant women. Melasma appears most commonly on your cheeks, nose, chin, above the upper lip and the forehead. If someone in your family has had melasma, youre more vulnerable to the condition. Hair changes with pregnancy. Treatment once you have finished breast- feeding can take the normal course, which normally begins with topical bleaching . These hormones are thought to contribute to your melasma. Melasma can sometimes be mistaken for another skin condition. Use the treatment and management advice from your dermatologist or another healthcare provider. Theyre also commonly mistaken for freckles or age spots, however, those tend to be smaller. All rights reserved. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-overview [Accessed September 2020], UpToDate. Melasma that appears during pregnancy usually does go away within a few months after you give birth. Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist seeing patients in New York, N.Y. She practices various aspects of dermatology, including cosmetic treatments, laser, injectables, skin cancer screening, general dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and body contouring. Skin care products that irritate your skin. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Around 33% to 50% of people with the condition have a family member with iteven a majority of identical twins share melasma. DermNet NZ; Science SourceA pregnancy mask may appear as dark, blotchy, brown, confetti-like patches of skin. Skin conditions commonly confused with melasma include: If you have melasma, the results of the biopsy will typically reveal the following: The severity of your melasma can be measured by using the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI). What are stretch marks? There are also some procedures including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and other light therapies that may work. A biopsy is quick, safe procedure routinely performed during a normal visit to your healthcare providers office. Safety of skin care products during pregnancy. This can be a trigger for melasma. Here are some of the most important things to know about melasma and how you can manage it during pregnancy: . This doesnt mean you have to stay indoors when the sun is out, though. PLoS Biol. Where are the discolorations located on your body? If you have melasma, your freckles and moles may also look darker, there's probably a dark line down the center of your abdomen (the linea nigra) and your areolas could be a deeper shade. The mask of pregnancy technically called melasma appears when a steep rise in estrogen and progesterone levels stimulates excess melanin production, also known as hyperpigmentation. The best way to treat melasma is with a bleaching regimen such as hydroquinone. Learn more about this common pregnancy skin change that you may experience when you're expecting. Learn more about. In turn, the addition of vitamin C serum to skincare routines helps fight free radical damage, brightens the skin, and improves skin tone. It often presents as a darkening in skin color around the mid or upper forehead, lateral cheeks, and upper lip, describes Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC. There are three types of melasma, categorized by how deep the darker pigment goes into the skin: During pregnancy, melasma usually appears on the face as patchy or spotted areas of skin that are tan, brown, or sometimes blue-gray. Genetics? If you have the dermal pigment, it may take longer to fade away than if you have the epidermal pigment. Head out early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is low. Undated. It can be frustrating to deal with changes to your skin during pregnancy. A dermatologist specializes in skin conditions. While there are no specific studies on these methods for chloasma, the following topical treatments may help: Since melasma may also be the result of hormonal imbalances, you may improve matters by giving yourself some much-needed TLC. Although its a physically harmless skin condition, we know that it can be bothersome, even to the point of making you feel self-conscious in social settings. Laser is a great option, he shares. NIH. There are a few tricks you can try to minimize melasma, including the following: Exposure to the sun will make your pregnancy mask more pronounced. While not being harmful to the health of either mother or child, pregnancy melasma can be a source of embarrassment for some expecting mothers. Call your provider if you have changes in skin pigmentation as well as pain, tenderness, redness, or bleeding, or if you notice any changes in the color, shape, or size of a mole.
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