the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. 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. Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment. They can appear as flat patches or freckle-like spots. Dr. Nazarian shares that she prefers a multipronged approach to treating pregnancy melasma. It largely affects people who were assigned female at birtha whopping 90% of them 1 during their reproductive years, when they're 20 to 40 years old. Melasma may also occur when you either start or stop hormonal contraception, including birth control pills, or when you take hormone replacement therapy, says Dr. Gilchrest. She served as Chief Resident at one of the nations top dermatology programs The University of Texas at Houston and M.D. Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. 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. We avoid using tertiary references. The good news is that this hyperpigmentation likely wont get worse after you deliver your child. Melasma: a clinical and epidemiological review. Careful sun protection is key. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://www.bad.org.uk/shared/get-file.ashx?id=169&itemtype=document), (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/skin-disorders/pigment-disorders/melasma#:~:text=Melasma%20is%20dark%20brown%20patches,an%20examination%20of%20the%20skin. But you may be able to avoid the factors listed above which make melasma worse. This can be a trigger for melasma. Ask them questions and voice your concerns. 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. Topical therapy using tyrosinase inhibitors prevents new pigment formations by stopping the formation of melanin (the dark color). If the hormones in your contraception are the cause of your melasma then, yes, it may go away. Is Any Acne Treatment Safe to Use During Pregnancy? If it bothers you, Dr. Belkin recommends using a tinted sunscreen to help, well, mask your pregnancy mask.. There are some milder products that may fade the spots safely, but don't take or use anything without consulting with your provider. How Is Melasma Treated During Pregnancy? - Cary OBGYN Regrettably, you cant avoid genetics, or stop the skin condition when youre pregnant. Melasma is especially common in darker-skinned women or those of Asian and African descent, who have more pigment in their skin than fair-skinned people. These are red, tender-to-the-touch, hard lumps in your breasts. Melasma does not cause any itching or pain and has no other physical symptoms. The agents listed above rarely eradicate all of the melasma. 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. Even after melasma is treated and improved, I recommend use of a daily topical cream and oral antioxidants to maintain results long-term, advises Dr. Nazarian. Melasma appears slowly over a period of weeks or months. 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. 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. Chioma Ndubisi, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who specializes in sexual and reproductive health in New York, New York. She may suggest using a bleaching cream that contains hydroquinone (and possibly sunscreen), a topical medication that contains tretinoin (Retin-A), or a chemical peel such as azelaic acid. Melasma: Treatment, Causes & Prevention - Cleveland Clinic You might have your thyroid checked because there does seem to be an association between thyroid disease and melasma. Melasma is harmless. Its dark brown in color, has well-defined borders, glows under blacklight, and can respond well to treatment. It doesn't affect your baby in any way or indicate any other pregnancy complications. I look for symmetry, since it would be unusual to have melasma only or much worse on one side of the face.. You may see a line (linea nigra) extending from the pubic area over the belly, or darkening of the skin all over the body. For some women, contraceptives containing estrogen (such as the Pill, the patch, and the vaginal ring) can also contribute to melasma. 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. Its only symptom is the gradual development of mottled dark spots on your skin, typically on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and upper lip, though it can also appear on the forearms. Ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the sun are key in making melasma worse. Many women notice their hair becomes thicker during pregnancy. From the What to Expect editorial team andHeidi Murkoff,author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. 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. To tell the difference between skin conditions, your healthcare provider may perform a biopsy, which is where a small piece of your skin is removed and examined. Careful sun protection is key. You can help make your sun protection efforts even more effective if you wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, a hat, and sunglasses, and limit your time in the sun, especially between its peak hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. It takes a month or two to work, and it may cause burning, stinging, itching or tingling. See a board-certified dermatologist to figure out the best and safest option for your skin. That said, it may take time possibly months for it to completely fade without any targeted treatment. It's typically diagnosed after an individual develops multiple pregnancies at once. Birth control pills, pregnancy, and hormone therapy can all help trigger melasma. ), (https://dermnetnz.org/topics/drug-induced-photosensitivity/), (https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-overview), (https://health.gov/our-work/food-nutrition/2015-2020-dietary-guidelines/guidelines/appendix-12/), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279255/#:~:text=What%20does%20skin%20do%3F,as%20germs%20and%20toxic%20substances. Skin color needs to be factored in when discussing skin diseases, aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-overview, acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy. Here are some of the most important things to know about melasma and how you can manage it during pregnancy: . 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. Melanin is what gives skin its color. The outer layer is the epidermis, the middle is the dermis, and the deepest layer is the subcutis. Melasma. Another option for sun cover is clothing with or without UV protection, such as SPF rash guards or sun protective clothing. First and foremost, try to resist the urge to self-diagnose. Some experts dont recommend treating melasma during pregnancy. Coll Antropol. Nancy LeBrun is an Emmy and Peabody award-winning writer and producer who has been writing about health and wellness for more than six years. The intensity of pregnancy melasma can fluctuate throughout the year, darkening in the summer and lightening up in the winter. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). Other possible causes of melasma include: Melasma causes light brown, dark brown, and/or bluish patches or freckle-like spots on your skin. Melasma is only a pigmentary concern, and does not affect the health of the mother or baby. The linea nigra will probably fade back to its pre-pregnancy color several months after you deliver your baby, but may not completely disappear. However, she particularly enjoys the medical, aesthetic, pharma, mental health, and beauty realms. They can look similar! Treatment of Melasma During Pregnancy. Look for noncomedogenic or hypoallergenic foundations, concealers, powders, and other products. 2019. 6.4 EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen. When you are outside, reapply sunscreen once every two hours. Your belly gets larger and your blood volume increases as your baby grows. Very common lumps found among women during pregnancy are clogged milk ducts. A Woods lamp that emits black light may be used to determine the depth of the pigment. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Melasma is a very common skin disorder, especially among pregnant women. 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. Most treatments take time to work, so the spots will fade gradually. Skin darkening during pregnancy (melasma or chloasma) Is there a specific sunscreen you recommend? Pregnancy melasma is a pretty straightforward skin condition. It is not visible under blacklight and is much more challenging to treat. It usually starts between 20 and 40 years of age. Slather up with gentle products instead. Theyre also commonly mistaken for freckles or age spots, however, those tend to be smaller. They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the stomach, hips, breasts, and thighs. Yes. Most cases of melasma will fade away with time and especially with good protection from sunlight and other sources of light. An Bras Dermatol. Physical blocking sunscreens tend to offer broader protection and may be less irritating to the skin. Swap out face washes, lotions or creams that contain fragrances or coloring. You may be referred to a dermatologist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Too much screen time? However, she particularly enjoys the medical, aesthetic, pharma, mental health, and beauty realms. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. This discoloration is usually symmetrical and is most common on the cheeks and nose, but its also found on the forehead and upper lip. In the meantime, take good care of your skin and talk to your healthcare provider about possible pregnancy-safe treatments if the spots are really bothering you. Accessed 7/23/2020. Between 1.5% and 33% of the population may get melasma and it happens more often during a womans reproductive years, and rarely happens during puberty. Its not painful, itchy, or uncomfortable in any way. 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. Hair changes with pregnancy. Dealing with melasma during pregnancy can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. What are stretch marks? She works full-time as a senior content manager at a multinational digital agency. Dr. Geddes-Bruce is fellowship-trained in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. Melasma is a skin condition in which some skin cells become darker. If your hyperpigmentation is accompanied by consistent itching, irritation or discomfort, its important to note that these are not symptoms of melasma. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. In addition to topical treatments and oral medication, Dr. Belkin recommends going that route, with a couple of caveats. Melasma Signs, Causes, Treatment, and Cure - MedicineNet But, keep in mind, once you experience this patchwork discoloration, youre more susceptible to it recurring if you become pregnant again. Are any of my current medications causing or worsening my melasma? Melasma can return. It is typically hormonally-triggered, much more common in women, and often arising or worsening in pregnancy or with birth control pills. The surge in hormones you experience when youre pregnant makes your skin more susceptible to sunlight and other pregnancy melasma triggers. Its impossible to prevent melasma with certainty, but there are ways to reduce your risk or minimize the appearance of your melasma. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Fluctuations in certain hormones can cause melasma, which is why it commonly occurs during pregnancy. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/27/2020. 6.5 CeraVe Vitamin C Serum. 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. 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. Don't expect instant results it may take many months to see improvement. Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care: What to Use and What to Avoid - Healthline Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. What Is Melasma (Pregnancy Mask)? Causes, Pictures Bolanca I, Bolanca Z, Kuna K, Vukovi A, Tuckar N, Herman R, Grubisi G. Chloasmathe mask of pregnancy. 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. Therefore, wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. 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? It often presents as a darkening in skin color around the mid or upper forehead, lateral cheeks, and upper lip. Melasma is common during pregnancy, as it is believed to be caused by increased levels of oestrogen in the blood. 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. The darker color usually fades after pregnancy. Try the following home remedies to reduce the appearance of melasma after pregnancy; Mix a solution of half apple cider vinegar and half water to use as toner. Changes in hormones especially estrogen and progesterone is the main cause of melasma during pregnancy. You may need to use different topicals or chemical peels to help get rid of stubborn pigment. If it doesnt, pursue treatment options with your healthcare provider. Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment Sometimes melasma will return and needs further treatment. Another, less common name for melasma, is chloasma. Between 50% to 70% of all melasma cases are among those who are pregnant. "Hydroquinone does not get absorbed systemically". Is it normal to have melasma during pregnancy? Learn more aboutour editorial and medical review policies. American Academy of Dermatology. Our. They include medications, makeup, and cosmetics that irritate your skin or make it more sensitive to sunlight, the blue light emitted from your devices, and underlying thyroid disease. Head out early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is low. Melasma appears slowly, and the spots are usually larger than those from sun damage or age. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by clinical examination and questionnaire on 400 pregnant women. 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. Pregnancy melasma, also known as a " pregnancy mask," is an extremely common condition that causes skin hyperpigmentation (i.e. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. . Journal of Experimental and Basic Medical Sciences. Melasma can be managed, but often not entirely cured, in the sense that in someone who is predisposed, it can always come back. Melasma can develop at any time during your pregnancy, however. All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. You may be able to prevent or minimize melasma by wearing a high-SPF sunscreen and a hat with a brim when you are in the sun. Some people have melasma for years or their entire lives. Is there a history of melasma in your family? 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. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Accessibility Objective To determine the prevalence and awareness of melasma during pregnancy at the Shahed University Hospitals of Tehran, Iran. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Melasma appears in six locations or a combination of locations on your skin: Your healthcare provider will decide for sure if you have melasma or another type of skin disorder. Breast Changes During Pregnancy It also helps regulate your body temperature, prevent hydration and feel sensations like the warmth of the stove, the fur on your dogs belly and the pressure of someone elses hand holding yours. 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. Melasma is a highly common skin conditionand the majority of cases are among pregnant people. Melasma may start at any point in your pregnancy, though it most commonly begins in the second or third trimester. Hydroquinone is a prescription product to lighten skin or reduce skin pigmentation that occurs from melasma and chloasma, which can be brought on by pregnancy. DermNet NZ; Science SourceA pregnancy mask may appear as dark, blotchy, brown, confetti-like patches of skin. Although its a benign condition that doesnt cause any pain or discomfort, its appearance can negatively impact your confidence and self-esteem. Adding a skin condition like melasma to the mix can be frustrating, especially if it's making you self-conscious about your appearance. Cut down on screen time in front of your LED screen television, tablet, mobile phone and computer. You may notice your nipples/areolas, armpits, or genitals become darker. (2008). That said, prescribing instructions note that it should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Non-pregnancy related hormonal changes like oral contraceptives may also cause skin hyperpigmentation. Youll be glowing again before you know it! See your healthcare provider if you have concerns about another type of skin disorder. Melasma in Pregnancy: Treatment and Causes - Healthline The first thing you need to do to treat your melasma is to make sure that it doesnt get any worse. Despite the fact that pregnancy melasma isnt a dangerous condition, it can do a number on your self-esteem and confidence. If the spots don't fade within a few months after having the baby, there are treatments to help fade them. 1 But certain conditions, like postpartum acne and dry skin, may be caused by the hormonal changes that happen during breastfeeding. Spots of melasma can sometimes be mistaken for freckles but they are not the same skin condition. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. After pregnancy, you may ask your dermatologist about other treatments if your melasma doesnt fade on its own. Yes, its possible that your melasma will go away on its own within a few months. Check out our article on safe skin care during pregnancy. Shipping, Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes, Prevention and Treatment, Non-pregnancy related hormonal imbalances. Avoid exposure to sunlight without sunscreen. Your soap? Melanin in the basal and suprabasal keratinocytes. Accessed 7/23/20. This seems to explain why melasma develops on skin that gets the most sunlight like skin on the face, neck, and arms. Pregnancy melasma, also known as a pregnancy mask, is an extremely common condition that causes skin hyperpigmentation (i.e. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. This doesnt mean you have to stay indoors when the sun is out, though. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 6.2 Eucerin Anti-Pigment Reducer Night Cream. 2017;3(1):11-20. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.01.004. Hello. If you take preventative measures and follow any treatments recommended by your healthcare provider, your melasma might disappear. Were explaining why this occurs, below. Hormones (including hormonal medications). Melasma is a skin condition characterized by brown or blue-gray patches or freckle-like spots. In turn, the addition of vitamin C serum to skincare routines helps fight free radical damage, brightens the skin, and improves skin tone. During pregnancy or while youre breastfeeding, you should also avoid at-home peels, bleaches or other chemical-based lightening treatments, since they can all potentially penetrate the skin. 6.6 Naturium vitamin C Complex Face Serum. ), document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()), document.getElementById("ak_js_3").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()), 2023 Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. Speak with your doctor about ways to treat your melasma during pregnancy. There are preventative measures you can take. This frittata is high in protein and rich in essential nutrients your body needs to support a growing baby. 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. The good news: Pregnancy mask is usually temporary and fades after delivery or, in some cases, after you finish breastfeeding. Pregnant women have increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Melasma is common, normal and harmless, but it can be bothersome. Group Black's collective includes Essence, The Shade Room and Naturally Curly. There are various lifestyle changes you can try to prevent the condition from progressing during pregnancy. 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. How much youre out in the sun or even the time of year when youre pregnant may also affect when you first notice it. Your. Sometimes the patches can become red or inflamed. After all, as it progresses, it gets more difficult to treat. Policy. 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. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. Youre also at a higher risk for it if you a have darker skin tone. Journal of Experimental and Basic Medical Sciences. At this time no medication can completely prevent melasma. Hormonal changes: The extra estrogen and progesterone your body makes during pregnancy can trigger melasma. Why Does Pregnancy Make My Lips and Skin So Dry? Learn more about. Youre also at risk if you take oral contraceptives and hormones. The second path to take is topical medications. Expect it to get worse and/or reoccur if you dont take steps such as avoiding the sun and makeups and soaps that irritate your skin. This means that its long-lasting (three months or more). A topical treatment isnt your only option. Although this disorder is completely harmless, it understandably makes some people feel self-conscious. 2008;32(Suppl 2):139-141. Other people may have melasma for just a short time, such as during pregnancy. Yes, it's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. Use the treatment and management advice from your dermatologist or another healthcare provider. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. Look for products that say fragrance-free, for sensitive skin, or non-comedogenic on the label. Remember that it's likely to go away after giving birth. If your skin is still blotchy a few months after giving birth and it's bothering you, talk to your healthcare provider or a dermatologist about treatment options for melasma. Examples of tyrosinase inhibitors and other types of helpful agents include: The combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin and a moderate topical steroid has had the best effect on melasma. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. AAD. This skin disorder can affect your social life if youre feeling self-conscious about it. 2011;57(6):665-667. Read our, Why Does Melasma Develop During Pregnancy. Your melasma is likely to go away when youre no longer pregnant. The spots develop when the hormones trigger cells called melanocytes, which go into overdrive and produce more of a substance called melanin. Melasma is especially common in darker-skinned women or those of Asian and African descent, who have more pigment in their skin than fair-skinned people. Sun exposure triggers melanin production, and pregnancy makes the skin more sensitive and more prone to melanin production. Melasma (chloasma or mask of pregnancy) may be the most cosmetically troublesome skin condition associated with pregnancy ( Figure 2). It's considered safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeidng. 2 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. 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. Melasma can potentially be prevented by always wearing sunscreen and a hat while in the sun. If someone in your family has had melasma, youre more vulnerable to the condition. The most important one is something you should be doing every day, year-round, anywaywearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and reapplying it every two hours or after swimming or sweating. A dermatologist specializes in skin conditions. Melasma. Youre also more likely to develop melasma during pregnancy if someone in your family has had it, if you have naturally dark skin, or if you spend a lot of time in the sun. The heart has to work harder during pregnancy to pump blood to both the mother and the growing fetus. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. How can I prevent melasma from getting worse during pregnancy? Signs of melasma during pregnancy Melasma occurs most often on the face as brown or grayish-brown patches that sometimes look blotchy. These steps may prevent your melasma from getting worse. An increase in estrogen levels can worsen melasma. Melasma During Pregnancy - Causes, Signs & Prevention And ask your doctor about any potential vitamin deficiencies. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals.
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