This skin disorder can affect your social life if youre feeling self-conscious about it. Dr. Geddes-Bruce is fellowship-trained in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. Medications that may cause or worsen melasma. You may see a line (linea nigra) extending from the pubic area over the belly, or darkening of the skin all over the body. They can help you with management and treatment of your melasma. Spots of melasma can sometimes be mistaken for freckles but they are not the same skin condition. Read our, Why Does Melasma Develop During Pregnancy. 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. What Helps With Melasma During Pregnancy? Changing hormones, particularly the excess of estrogen and progesterone, is the main cause of melasma during pregnancy. Here are ways of reducing melasma on the face during pregnancy: 1. For some women, contraceptives containing estrogen (such as the Pill, the patch, and the vaginal ring) can also contribute to melasma. Policy. Here are some of the most important things to know about melasma and how you can manage it during pregnancy: . Its often called the mask of pregnancy. Melasma happens because of overproduction of the cells that make the color of your skin. Chemical peels and lasers may cause the surface layers of skin to die, cause post-procedure hyperpigmentation, and cause hypertrophic scars. Other home remedies may actually make melasma worse. Melasma can be managed, but often not entirely cured, in the sense that in someone who is predisposed, it can always come back. If your hyperpigmentation is accompanied by consistent itching, irritation or discomfort, its important to note that these are not symptoms of melasma. Doctors believe they may be caused by weight gain or extra hormones of pregnancy. 6 Treatment of Melasma during pregnancy. 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. 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. It is common, harmless and some treatments may help. (2008). Melasma. Your melasma is likely to go away when youre no longer pregnant. Hormones (including hormonal medications). The best course of treatment may actually be prevention, with the help of a few lifestyle changes. The following are common melasma triggers: In addition to the above, genetics play a crucial role. Melasma is a very common skin disorder, especially among pregnant women. This can be a trigger for melasma. Discover what they are here. 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. The intensity of pregnancy melasma can fluctuate throughout the year, darkening in the summer and lightening up in the winter. Otherwise, speak with your doctor about the options for treatment and the benefits and risks of each. Chloasma is a cosmetic concern. Melasma. What Is Pregnancy Melasma? and the condition. From the What to Expect editorial team andHeidi Murkoff,author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. 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. It can be frustrating to deal with changes to your skin during pregnancy. Causes of melasma in pregnancy Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. If it doesnt, pursue treatment options with your healthcare provider. Sometimes the patches can become red or inflamed. Wearing a good pregnancy-safe sunscreen with SPF 30+ is key. Chemical peels address discoloration by exfoliating the top layers of skin, allowing newer and more evenly toned skin cells to rise to the surface. Melasma can develop at any time during your pregnancy, however. Trivedi MK, Yang FC, Cho BK. When melasma occurs during pregnancy, it is also called chloasma, or "the mask of pregnancy."Pregnant women experience increased estrogen, progesterone, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) levels during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. 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. Bolanca I, et al. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. All rights reserved. Chloasma is a cosmetic concern. What makes breast cancer come back? Most treatments take time to work, so the spots will fade gradually. Some of the topical options include hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and tretinoin. 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. Wilkerson EC, Van Acker MM, Bloom BS, Goldberg DJ. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading ourmedical review and editorial policy. Lasers, which can be irritating especially during pregnancy, are no-nos too. 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. Related: Skin color needs to be factored in when discussing skin diseases. To determine a treatment plan, your healthcare provider will have to first figure out whats possibly causing the melasma. Laser is a great option, he shares. Shell also sometimes prescribe oral medication to slow down the rate of re-pigmentation and rebounding. Slather up with gentle products instead. It protects your bones, muscles, organs and everything else from the cold, from germs, sunshine, moisture, toxic substances, injury and more. If youre susceptible to pregnancy melasma, unprotected sun exposure can worsen it. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This pregnancy-friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you're expecting. During pregnancy, melasma usually appears on the face as patchy or spotted areas of skin that are tan, brown, or sometimes blue-gray. Are you interested in procedures that may improve your melasma? Pregnant women get melasma more often than anyone else. Melasma during pregnancy is very common. 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. 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. Swap out face washes, lotions or creams that contain fragrances or coloring. In pregnant women, it most often appears on the: Forehead Cheeks Upper lip Nose Chin Other skin changes often occur with melasma during pregnancy, including: Darkened nipples, armpits, and genitals 6.7 AOBBIY Hyperpigment Remover. Bolanca I, Bolanca Z, Kuna K, Vukovi A, Tuckar N, Herman R, Grubisi G. Chloasmathe mask of pregnancy. General Health. Heat can trigger melasma by causing the blood vessels in the skin to dilate and send signals to create pigmentation. Milk, almond milk, and orange juice can help too. Some experts dont recommend treating melasma during pregnancy. Melasma appears most often during the second or third trimester, as hormonal changes increase. UV light exposure only makes hyperpigmentation worse by further darkening skin. 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. Kalayc M. Pregnancy Mask: Melasma. Melasma appears most commonly on your cheeks, nose, chin, above the upper lip and the forehead. Related: Your guide to pregnancy-safe skin care. All rights reserved. It takes a month or two to work, and it may cause burning, stinging, itching or tingling. Wondering what skin care products are safe and which to avoid while pregnant? It usually develops in one or more of these areas: Cheeks . In pregnancy, its often referred to as chloasma, or the mask of 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. 2003 Oct;1(1): e27. Is there a history of melasma in your family? When you are pregnant, your body shows several changes. She works full-time as a senior content manager at a multinational digital agency. If the skin changes are bothersome, consider another birth control option. It is very common in pregnant people and tends to appear during the second or third trimester. 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. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Melasma is a skin condition causing uneven, darkened areas or spots that look like freckles. All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Consuming turmeric in pregnancy is a debated subject. StatPearls: Melasma. Melasma will likely fade within three months after youre no longer pregnant. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by clinical examination and questionnaire on 400 pregnant women. It depends on the person and the medication used. Last medically reviewed on April 30, 2021. If youre using concealer or foundation to cover your melasma, choose products developed for sensitive skin. Then apply your foundation to the rest of your face, avoiding the patches. 2019 Jun;45(6):818-828. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001912. 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. There are various lifestyle changes you can try to prevent the condition from progressing during 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. Your skin color and type may make this condition more or less noticeable. Objective To determine the prevalence and awareness of melasma during pregnancy at the Shahed University Hospitals of Tehran, Iran. Melasma that is triggered by pregnancy can fade after you have given . It usually goes away after you give birth. Report all side effects to your healthcare provider. Are any of my current medications causing or worsening my melasma? You may be referred to a dermatologist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. How much youre out in the sun or even the time of year when youre pregnant may also affect when you first notice it. As a result, the blood volume in the body increases by up to 50%, and the heart rate may rise by 10 to 15 beats per minute. However, a skin-friendly diet including adequate amounts of vitamin D is likely to help. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-overview [Accessed September 2020], UpToDate. Melasma can sometimes be mistaken for another skin condition. American Academy of Family Physicians. Melasma will not harm your 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. Melasma can occur at any point in a pregnancy, although it typically develops during the second or third trimester. Its an organ the largest organ and it makes up about one-seventh of your body weight. Light-based procedures like intense pulsed light, non-ablative fractionated lasers and low fluence Q-switched lasers. Estimates vary, but up to 70% of pregnant people develop melasma. Melasma does not cause any itching or pain and has no other physical symptoms. Read on to learn about what causes melasma during pregnancy and how to treat it. Skin conditions during pregnancy. (Other hormonal alterations, such as birth control medication and hormonal replacement therapy can also trigger melasma in nonpregnant people.). Choose a method of birth control that doesnt include hormones. Speak with your doctor about ways to treat your melasma during pregnancy. You might have your thyroid checked because there does seem to be an association between thyroid disease and melasma. As mentioned, pregnancy melasma is a skin condition thats pervasive among pregnant people. Why Does Pregnancy Make My Lips and Skin So Dry? the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. (We know, weve felt that knee-jerk instinct at times, too.) Many compacts come in a wide range of colors for all skin tones. Very common lumps found among women during pregnancy are clogged milk ducts. Melasma is a skin disorder where the melanocytes (color-producing cells) in your skin produce extra pigment for some reason. If other treatments haven't helped, a dermatologist can lighten dark spots with laser treatments, but that's not the first option. 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 risk if you take oral contraceptives and hormones. Heres more about this condition, why it crops up in pregnancy, and how you can treat it safely. American Academy of Family Physicians. 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. Your skin is made up of three layers. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Dr. Belkin says his pregnancy melasma diagnoses center around the timing of its appearance and its placement. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. He goes on to explain that the shape of the discolorations matters as well, since melasma coalesces in patches, as opposed to being distinct spotswhich would likely be other kinds of hyperpigmentation, such as sunspots. Your skin is your barricade. Yes, this also applies to tanning beds or any other environment where you would be exposed to UVA and UVB rays. 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. Melasma is typically a chronic disorder. It doesnt itch or hurt, and it doesnt become malignant. Sun exposure triggers melanin production, and pregnancy makes the skin more sensitive and more prone to melanin production. 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. Hydroquinone-induced exogenous ochronosis. Melasma that arises during pregnancy may go away on its own, but it wont happen overnight. Hormone treatments, specifically ones that involve estrogen. Make sure youre staying hydrated, eating a diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and getting enough sleep each night. This common condition occurs in 50-70% of pregnant women. There are preventative measures you can take. 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. The linea nigra will probably fade back to its pre-pregnancy color several months after you deliver your baby, but may not completely disappear. Azelaic cream, lotion, or gel can sting. Between 50% to 70% of all melasma cases are among those who are pregnant. To start treatment, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible when you see signs of melasma. It fades slowly, so it could take a few months. The darkened spots probably will fade within a year after delivery, and your skin should return to its normal shade, although sometimes the changes never completely disappear. Use the treatment and management advice from your dermatologist or another healthcare provider. Pregnancy melasma, also known as a " pregnancy mask," is an extremely common condition that causes skin hyperpigmentation (i.e. DermNet NZ; Science SourceA pregnancy mask may appear as dark, blotchy, brown, confetti-like patches of skin. How Many Types of Pregnancy Melasma Are There? It doesnt affect your baby in any way or indicate any other pregnancy complications. Anderson Cancer Center. It's considered safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeidng. 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. Since the sun may trigger the development of more pigment, its a good idea to stay out of its rays, especially for long periods of time. Primary symptoms include darkening patches of skin on the face, especially around the forehead, cheekbones, nose and upper lip. And some treatment methods may not be safe or effective to use when pregnant. The three types are: Melasma is not cancerous, a sign of cancer, or a skin condition that turns into cancer. 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. Verywell Family's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 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 During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment.