2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. 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. What Is Pregnancy Melasma? Melasma usually fades after a few months. The association between melasma and iron profile: A case-control study. Does pregnancy melanoma go away on its own? The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. But, keep in mind, once you experience this patchwork discoloration, youre more susceptible to it recurring if you become pregnant again. Do this by avoiding the sun, tanning beds, LED screens, irritating soaps and birth control that includes hormones. Do I have melasma or another type of skin disorder? By Cat Matta Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Heres more about this condition, why it crops up in pregnancy, and how you can treat it safely. Always listen to the advice of your healthcare provider and follow your treatment plan carefully. Is there a history of melasma in your family? This doesnt mean you have to stay indoors when the sun is out, though. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. It's unlikely that a healthcare provider will recommend treatment, as melasma often goes away on its own a few months after giving birth. I look for symmetry, since it would be unusual to have melasma only or much worse on one side of the face.. It's considered safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeidng. 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. It depends on the person and the medication used. Your healthcare provider may administer the test. There are various lifestyle changes you can try to prevent the condition from progressing during pregnancy. PLoS Biol. When your skin heals from the treatment, it may cause even more discoloration. Why do dark spots and patches appear on the skin during pregnancy? But you dont have to just live with it. There are treatment options. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. 2011;57(6):665-667. 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. However, it is not likely to go away while youre pregnant or taking hormone contraceptives. 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. 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 can potentially be prevented by always wearing sunscreen and a hat while in the sun. You may be able to lighten your melasma using ingredients from your pantry. Wide brimmed hats are your best friend. If hyperpigmentation started in pregnancy or after birth control pills, or worsens in summer, that would suggest melasma, he says. Azelaic cream, lotion, or gel can sting. During your pregnancy, avoid spending too much time in the sun. 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. We'll tell you the best pregnancy-safe sunscreens so you and your, When you're expecting, pregnancy-safe skin care can help ensure the health of you and your baby. Fortunately, melasma typically fades after about three months. However, you can take certain precautions to lower your risk of developing it while pregnant or otherwise. All rights reserved. But you may be able to avoid the factors listed above which make melasma worse. Melasma is a harmless skin condition. Although this disorder is completely harmless, it understandably makes some people feel self-conscious. Slather up with gentle products instead. Around 33% to 50% of people with the condition have a family member with iteven a majority of identical twins share melasma. 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. They usually fade in the first few months after . Heat can trigger melasma by causing the blood vessels in the skin to dilate and send signals to create pigmentation. 2008;32(Suppl 2):139-141. Start at 2,000 International Units (IU) per day. Shell also sometimes prescribe oral medication to slow down the rate of re-pigmentation and rebounding. So easy and delicious. Dendritic (branched) pigmented melanocytes. Returns Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD is a board certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon specializing in the practice of both cosmetic and medical dermatology. 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. 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. See your healthcare provider if you have concerns about another type of skin disorder. At this time no medication can completely prevent melasma. It usually develops in one or more of these areas: 6 Cheeks (both sides) Chin Forehead Bridge of nose Above the upper lip Jawline Melasma can also develop on your arms or neck, though it's less common. There are some procedures that your dermatologist can do to improve your melasma. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin. At this time there is no way to remove dermal pigment. Birth control pills, pregnancy, and hormone therapy can all help trigger melasma. Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. First and foremost, try to resist the urge to self-diagnose. Melasma. 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. Our. 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. Here are some of the most important things to know about melasma and how you can manage it during pregnancy: . After pregnancy, you may ask your dermatologist about other treatments if your melasma doesnt fade on its own. A Woods lamp that emits black light may be used to determine the depth of the pigment. Fortunately, chloasma generally fades within a few months after giving birth. Melanin in the dermis within melanophages. Theyre also commonly mistaken for freckles or age spots, however, those tend to be smaller. It might be appropriate for you to use a different medication to avoid the side effects. It often presents as a darkening in skin color around the mid or upper forehead, lateral cheeks, and upper lip. Other possible causes of melasma include: Melasma causes light brown, dark brown, and/or bluish patches or freckle-like spots on your skin. 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. A biopsy is quick, safe procedure routinely performed during a normal visit to your healthcare providers office. Is there a specific sunscreen you recommend? Anderson Cancer Center. 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. Skin conditions during pregnancy. If youre using concealer or foundation to cover your melasma, choose products developed for sensitive skin. The agents listed above rarely eradicate all of the melasma. It is very likely that if you were going to get Melasma at the time of . Many women notice their hair becomes thicker during pregnancy. Melasma may be triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy, which stimulate a temporary increase in the amount of melanin your body produces. Therefore, wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Accessed 7/23/20. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/27/2020. Are any of my current medications causing or worsening my melasma? Your healthcare provider may test your thyroid. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Treatments include topical medications like: Your doctor may also recommend certain acids that lighten the skin, alone or in combination. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. Melasma is only a pigmentary concern, and does not affect the health of the mother or baby. Pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, sun exposure, medication side effects, genetics, age, inflammation, and skin injuries can all lead to different types of skin discoloration. They are generally tan or brownish in color, but can look blue-gray on people with naturally darker skin color. Be sure that youre rounding out your diet by consuming supplemental omega-3 fatty acids. 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. Melasma appears slowly over a period of weeks or months. (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.). Milk, almond milk, and orange juice can help too. This increased workload can cause shortness of breath and fatigue, and it is essential to take breaks and rest when needed. This can be a trigger for melasma. In addition to her extensive health and wellness writing, Nancy has written about many general interest topics for publications as diverse as Newsweek, Teen Vogue, abcnews.com, and Craftsmanship Quarterly. The first thing you need to do to treat your melasma is to make sure that it doesnt get any worse. (We know, weve felt that knee-jerk instinct at times, too.) There are preventative measures you can take. Hormone treatments, specifically ones that involve estrogen. Nearly 50 to 70% of pregnant women show signs of a " mask of pregnancy". We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. 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. 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. Policy. Your skin color and type may make this condition more or less noticeable. Your birth control? Sometimes the patches can become red or inflamed. Learn more about this common pregnancy skin change that you may experience when you're expecting. Undated. Spontaneous recovery back to pre-pregnancy levels usually occurs within 6-12 months. Its not painful, itchy, or uncomfortable in any way. 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. Dr. Arlo Miller answered Dermatology 17 years experience Avoid: I would not recommend it. Look for noncomedogenic or hypoallergenic foundations, concealers, powders, and other products. Youre also at risk if you take oral contraceptives and hormones. You may be referred to a dermatologist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 2014;89:771-782. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143063. There are two main causes of melasma: radiation, whether ultraviolet, visible light, or infrared (heat) light; and hormones. Utilization of Laser Therapy During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of the Maternal and Fetal Effects Reported From 1960 to 2017. Your. You may notice dark patches or splotches on your forehead, cheeks, chin, or around your mouth. The best course of treatment may actually be prevention, with the help of a few lifestyle changes. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. But, keep in mind that it can fade on its own after youre no longer pregnant, and there are other ways to help it along the way. Pregnancy melasma, also known as a pregnancy mask, is an extremely common condition that causes skin hyperpigmentation (i.e. Skin care products that irritate your skin. What Are Some Ways To Help Cope With Pregnancy Melasma? Exactly How to Treat the Skin Discoloration. 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. Causes of melasma in pregnancy Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. Sunlight: When sunlight hits our skin, it triggers the body to produce more melanin. Bolanca I, et al. Chemical peels and lasers may cause the surface layers of skin to die, cause post-procedure hyperpigmentation, and cause hypertrophic scars. Melanin is the natural substance that gives color to hair, skin, and eyes. 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. 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. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-overview [Accessed September 2020], UpToDate. Other people may have melasma for just a short time, such as during pregnancy. Privacy Policy The underlying cause of pregnancy melasma is unknown, beyond an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. 6 Treatment of Melasma during pregnancy. Mix a solution of a half of fresh lemon juice and half of cucumber juice or water to lighten top . The good news is that this hyperpigmentation likely wont get worse after you deliver your child. Occasionally, you might get it on the chest or arms, but that's unusual. Head out early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is low. 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. While not being harmful to the health of either mother or child, pregnancy melasma can be a source of embarrassment for some expecting mothers.
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