Melasma is a skin condition in which some skin cells become darker. 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. It fades slowly, so it could take a few months. Use sunscreen Using sunscreen is one of the best ways to ward off the harmful effects of sun exposure. You could also take a vitamin D supplement. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Hello. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. You might have your thyroid checked because there does seem to be an association between thyroid disease and melasma. But, melasma patches are almost always larger than what we call age spots, sun spots, or liver spots. Most importantly, try and remind yourself that you likely notice and dwell on your pregnancy melasma more than anyone else, and that youre far from alone in experiencing it. Can I Use Vitamin C in Skincare While Pregnant? They can look similar! 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. If your melasma doesn't go away after you have your baby, you can discuss melasma treatment with your provider. I use a variety of modalities to treat this conditionspecific topicals and chemical peels, she shares. Some people may feel embarrassed to allow others to see their skin condition. We'll tell you if it's safe. 2. Pregnancy comes with a host of emotions and physical changes. (Typically only 2 messages sent per month. 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. While pregnancy is a primary cause of melasma, eating a well-balanced diet and getting plenty of sleep can prevent hormonal imbalances or vitamin deficiencies that arent pregnancy-related. 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. Melasma can occur at any point in a pregnancy, although it typically develops during the second or third trimester. How can I prevent melasma from getting worse during pregnancy? Topical therapy using tyrosinase inhibitors prevents new pigment formations by stopping the formation of melanin (the dark color). The underlying cause of pregnancy melasma is unknown, beyond an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. How many hours of sunlight do you recommend I receive? (Other hormonal alterations, such as birth control medication and hormonal replacement therapy can also trigger melasma in nonpregnant people.). However, there are skin cancers that may mimic melasma, so seeing your dermatologist is often recommended to confirm the correct diagnosis. The side effects of melasma treatments aren't entirely understood, and treatments may not be safe for you to use while you're pregnant. 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. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. Changes in hormones especially estrogen and progesterone is the main cause of melasma during pregnancy. 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. 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. If you have the dermal pigment, it may take longer to fade away than if you have the epidermal pigment. 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. 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. Melasma is a highly common skin conditionand the majority of cases are among pregnant people. 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. During pregnancy, the body goes through significant hormonal changes. This also tends to happen in areas where friction is common, such as your underarms and inner thighs. 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. In fact, melasma can affect any part of your skin that is exposed to sunlight. ), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. You may see a line (linea nigra) extending from the pubic area over the belly, or darkening of the skin all over the body. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Dealing with melasma during pregnancy can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Occasionally, you might get it on the chest or arms, but that's unusual. That said, it may take time possibly months for it to completely fade without any targeted treatment. It may take several months for your hormones to balance and skin pigmentation to fade. . 6 Treatment of Melasma during pregnancy. Hormonal changes: The extra estrogen and progesterone your body makes during pregnancy can trigger melasma. Your skin is made up of three layers. First, apply the concealer to the patchy spots. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. 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. 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. Chloasma is a cosmetic concern. It might be appropriate for you to use a different medication to avoid the side effects. StatPearls: Melasma. Anderson Cancer Center. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen as needed. In addition to topical treatments and oral medication, Dr. Belkin recommends going that route, with a couple of caveats. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Medications that may cause or worsen melasma. Learn more aboutour editorial and medical review policies. (We know, weve felt that knee-jerk instinct at times, too.) If you take preventative measures and follow any treatments recommended by your healthcare provider, your melasma might disappear. Choose a method of birth control that doesnt include hormones. In the third trimester, the proportion of hair follicles retained in the anagen (growing) phase increases. The association between melasma and iron profile: A case-control study. Treatment once you have finished breast- feeding can take the normal course, which normally begins with topical bleaching . Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. If you do opt for treatment for your pregnancy melasma, your healthcare provider will likely prescribe a topical skin-lightening cream, with pregnancy-safe ingredients, like hydroquinone. In rare circumstances, specifically, when its harder to make a clear diagnosis, a small biopsy may be performed to be sure the discoloration isnt indicative of another skin condition, like melanoma, the scientific word for skin cancer. ), (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. Ali, S, Bali S, P S. Hormonal evaluation in females having melasma. It is not cancerous and does not become cancerous, nor does it have any effect on your pregnancy. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Learn about special offers, current clinical research studies, and more. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. If you're breastfeeding or plan to get pregnant again soon, let your provider know and check with her before using any over-the-counter treatments. Women commonly experience changes in the appearance of the skin during pregnancy, including: dark spots on the breasts, nipples and inner thighs melasma linea nigra stretch marks acne spider. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. If it doesnt, pursue treatment options with your healthcare provider. Verywell Family's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Melasma appears slowly over a period of weeks or months. 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. Your skin is your barricade. Some melasma treatments are safe to begin during pregnancy. Some of the skin conditions you may notice, such as stretch marks and melasma (dark spots and patches), are caused by pregnancy, and will fade over the next few months. Melasma usually fades after a few months. 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. How Many Types of Pregnancy Melasma Are There? Estrogen and progesterone, which are thought to trigger it, start building after 12 weeks and peak around 32 weeks. Most cases of melasma will fade away with time and especially with good protection from sunlight and other sources of light. 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Mix a solution of a half of fresh lemon juice and half of cucumber juice or water to lighten top . 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. Melasma that appears during pregnancy usually does go away within a few months after you give birth. While pregnant, be careful to only use topical and oral treatments that are approved for pregnant women. Here are ways of reducing melasma on the face during pregnancy: 1. ), 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. 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. Fluctuations in certain hormones can cause melasma, which is why it commonly occurs during pregnancy. Int J Womens Dermatol. This discoloration is usually symmetrical and is most common on the cheeks and nose, but its also found on the forehead and upper lip. Since its unknown what causes melasma, aside from the things that trigger it, it can be difficult to prevent it. To determine a treatment plan, your healthcare provider will have to first figure out whats possibly causing the melasma. Although most skin-lightening ingredients are off-limits during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about whether you can apply topical azelaic acid to your skin for melasma. Always listen to the advice of your healthcare provider and follow your treatment plan carefully. Your belly gets larger and your blood volume increases as your baby grows. 1. Therefore, wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Theyre also commonly mistaken for freckles or age spots, however, those tend to be smaller. Primary symptoms include darkening patches of skin on the face, especially around the forehead, cheekbones, nose and upper lip. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. NIH. It sometimes affects your arms, neck and back. Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. American Academy of Dermatology. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by clinical examination and questionnaire on 400 pregnant women. It's unlikely that a healthcare provider will recommend treatment, as melasma often goes away on its own a few months after giving birth. Sun exposure plays a role too. Melasma can sometimes be mistaken for another skin condition. Spontaneous recovery back to pre-pregnancy levels usually occurs within 6-12 months. Adding a skin condition like melasma to the mix can be frustrating, especially if it's making you self-conscious about your appearance. All changes in skin pigmentation due to melasma usually disappear on their own after delivery, but you can do a few things to safely minimize darkened spots on your skin during pregnancy: Melasma usually fades without treatment after you have your baby. ; Telogen effluvium post-delivery is a compensatory decease in hair growth and shedding of hair. Then apply your foundation to the rest of your face, avoiding the patches. Treatments include topical medications like: Your doctor may also recommend certain acids that lighten the skin, alone or in combination. Between 50% to 70% of all melasma cases are among those who are pregnant. Dr. Arlo Miller answered Dermatology 17 years experience Avoid: I would not recommend it. How to Identify & Treat a Melasma Mustache, What to Know Before Getting Melasma Laser Treatment, Understanding Pityriasis Rosea vs. Guttate Psoriasis, Hyperpigmentation Around the Mouth: Everything to Know, Skin Discoloration: Causes and Treatments, Melasma: a clinical and epidemiological review, A review of laser and light therapy in melasma. 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. 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. It can be frustrating to deal with changes to your skin during pregnancy. If someone in your family has had melasma, youre more vulnerable to the condition. Dr. Geddes-Bruce is fellowship-trained in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. Some studies link melasma to deficiency in iron and possibly vitamin B12. That said, there are skin cancers that look similar to melasma, so its important to see your dermatologist to get a definitive diagnosis. The condition occurs in up to 70 percent of pregnant. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. Is there a history of melasma in your family? Melasma can be managed, but often not entirely cured, in the sense that in someone who is predisposed, it can always come back, Dr. Belkin cautions. 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. Another, less common name for melasma, is chloasma. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Don't expect instant results it may take many months to see improvement. Melasma is hard to treat. Pregnancy melasma is a pretty straightforward skin condition. Harvard Medical School, Harvard Health Publishing. Pain, itchiness, or soreness are not symptoms of melasma. You may experience cramping, morning sickness, and all sorts of unfamiliar aches and pains. 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. 1 But certain conditions, like postpartum acne and dry skin, may be caused by the hormonal changes that happen during breastfeeding. 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. Otherwise, speak with your doctor about the options for treatment and the benefits and risks of each. Melasma is a skin condition causing uneven, darkened areas or spots that look like freckles. Products that irritate the skin can make melasma worse. Learn more about. A dermatologist will be able to perform treatments that your usual healthcare provider may not be able to. 2014;89:771-782. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143063. 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. If you have dark skin, seek a provider who is experienced in laser treatment for people of color. Learn more about this common pregnancy skin change that you may experience when you're expecting. Even if its hot outside, loose-fitting clothing can be comfortable and protect your skin. Your hair and skin may also go through a transformation for the better or worse. Melasma that is triggered by pregnancy can fade after you have given . Its always best to speak with your healthcare provider. Ask them questions and voice your concerns. Discover what they are here. 6.3 Paula's Choice facial exfoliant. See your healthcare provider if you have concerns about another type of skin disorder. Melasma is sometimes called the mask of pregnancy because it frequently affects pregnant women. 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. Sun exposure triggers melanin production, and pregnancy makes the skin more sensitive and more prone to melanin production. Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. In turn, the addition of vitamin C serum to skincare routines helps fight free radical damage, brightens the skin, and improves skin tone. 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. Only a dermatologist will be able to tell you for sure if you have pregnancy melasma. 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. This means that its long-lasting (three months or more). the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If hyperpigmentation started in pregnancy or after birth control pills, or worsens in summer, that would suggest melasma, he says. Her favorite pastimes include experimenting with new foods, libations, and restaurants, as well as traveling the world with her two college-age children, husband, extended family, and friends. When this increases the amount of melanin produced also increases creating patches of darkened skin. 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. The good news: Pregnancy mask is usually temporary and fades after delivery or, in some cases, after you finish breastfeeding. There are two main causes of melasma: radiation, whether ultraviolet, visible light, or infrared (heat) light; and hormones. beneath the breasts during late pregnancy. Pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, sun exposure, medication side effects, genetics, age, inflammation, and skin injuries can all lead to different types of skin discoloration. This means that its long-lasting (three months or more). It is not visible under blacklight and is much more challenging to treat. It is supremely sensitive to the sun, worsening with relatively minimal exposure, cautions Dr. Belkin. General Health. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Kalayc M. Pregnancy Mask: Melasma. There are some procedures that your dermatologist can do to improve your melasma. If you opt for a spa treatment during pregnancy, be sure to let your esthetician know that youre pregnant. But you may be able to avoid the factors listed above which make melasma worse. Melasma. They can be safely used with topical medications, but only by specialists who have experience treating melasma. It's considered safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeidng. Are darkened spots on skin during pregnancy ever a sign of illness? This is because radiation from ultraviolet rays acts as a catalyst for melanin production. Melasma is a skin condition characterized by brown or blue-gray patches or freckle-like spots. Physical blocking sunscreens tend to offer broader protection and may be less irritating to the skin. Coll Antropol. Fortunately, melasma typically fades after about three months. Melasma: a clinical and epidemiological review. Why Does Pregnancy Make My Lips and Skin So Dry? A few alternative remedies, like turmeric and aloe vera, have shown at least some success at improving melasma. Another exfoliation option would be to have a laser skin resurfacing treatment. If you feel that its negatively impacting your life, or you have any other concerns, try not to suffer in silence. 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. A review of laser and light therapy in melasma. Cut down on screen time in front of your LED screen television, tablet, mobile phone and computer. When you are outside, reapply sunscreen once every two hours. Stretch marks are easier to prevent than erase. Shell also sometimes prescribe oral medication to slow down the rate of re-pigmentation and rebounding. LED light from your television, laptop, cell phone and tablet. Make a good concealer your best friend. Are you interested in procedures that may improve your melasma? For some women, contraceptives containing estrogen (such as the Pill, the patch, and the vaginal ring) can also contribute to melasma. Melasma during pregnancy is very common. Handel AC, Miot LDB, Miot HA. Pregnancy. Melasma can potentially be prevented by always wearing sunscreen and a hat while in the sun. Accessibility Melasma is usually flat. It takes a month or two to work, and it may cause burning, stinging, itching or tingling. The most common type, mixed melasma, is exactly what it sounds likeits both brown and bluish in appearance, has a mixed pattern under black light, and is somewhat responsive to treatment. Are the soaps Im using right now aggravating my melasma (come with a list if you need to)? This seems to explain why melasma develops on skin that gets the most sunlight like skin on the face, neck, and arms. Our. In any case, continue to protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen every day, wearing protective clothing, and staying out of the sun during peak hours. Its caused by hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy, which affect the skins pigment-producing melanocytes. 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. A biopsy is quick, safe procedure routinely performed during a normal visit to your healthcare providers office. At this time no foods or drinks are known by experts to directly cause, magically cure or worsen melasma. Applying this powerful antioxidant to your skin can help brighten melasma while providing other anti-aging benefits, like increased collegen production. Too much screen time? Lasers, which can be irritating especially during pregnancy, are no-nos too. There are also other tactics you can try. These discolorations are flat, clustered, asymmetrical splotches.
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