Melasma is a harmless skin condition. The best course of treatment may actually be prevention, with the help of a few lifestyle changes. A biopsy is quick, safe procedure routinely performed during a normal visit to your healthcare providers office. Chemical peels address discoloration by exfoliating the top layers of skin, allowing newer and more evenly toned skin cells to rise to the surface. Pain, itchiness, or soreness are not symptoms of melasma. Face washes, lotions, and serums that irritate your skin may make melasma worse. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. It might be appropriate for you to use a different medication to avoid the side effects. Are you interested in procedures that may improve your melasma? This pregnancy-friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you're expecting. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. What are stretch marks? 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. We even asked a couple of board-certified dermatologists to weigh in. DermNet NZ; Science SourceA pregnancy mask may appear as dark, blotchy, brown, confetti-like patches of skin. Physical blocking sunscreens tend to offer broader protection and may be less irritating to the skin. Hormones (including hormonal medications). Her go-to ingredients include vitamin C, kojic acid, and licorice root extract, as well as hydroquinone and glycolic acid. The spots develop when the hormones trigger cells called melanocytes, which go into overdrive and produce more of a substance called melanin. ), 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, melasma usually appears on the face as patchy or spotted areas of skin that are tan, brown, or sometimes blue-gray. Azelaic cream, lotion, or gel can sting. Some topical products we have found safe to use during pregnancy are Vitamin-C, Azelaic Acid, Lytera 2.0, and physical sunscreen. Melasma usually fades after a few months. 3) Removing the melanin already present in the surface of the skin. Regrettably, you cant avoid genetics, or stop the skin condition when youre pregnant. It doesnt itch or hurt, and it doesnt become malignant. Will I still have melasma after my pregnancy? If youre susceptible to pregnancy melasma, unprotected sun exposure can worsen it. 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. Epidermal melasma resides in the surface of the skin. At this time no medication can completely prevent melasma. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen as needed. If you take preventative measures and follow any treatments recommended by your healthcare provider, your melasma might disappear. . Always be on the lookout for any allergic reactions. However, it is not likely to go away while youre pregnant or taking hormone contraceptives. Is it sunlight? Melasma is a skin disorder where the melanocytes (color-producing cells) in your skin produce extra pigment for some reason. 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. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. Melasma is not dangerous or cancerous, but it may affect how you feel about your appearance. Coll Antropol. It often presents as a darkening in skin color around the mid or upper forehead, lateral cheeks, and upper lip. If the skin changes are bothersome, consider another birth control option. If you're seeking a preventive, we've gathered a few of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy. Chloasma is a cosmetic concern. However, it can make people self-conscious about their appearance. Ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the sun are key in making melasma worse. 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? 6.4 EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen. There are also some procedures including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and other light therapies that may work. Melasma is a very common skin disorder, especially among pregnant women. Chloasma may also be worsened by hormonal imbalances that may have been present even before pregnancy. These hormones are thought to contribute to your melasma. What medications and/or vitamins can I take to help heal my melasma? Hello. Typically it takes about three or more months for the melasma to fade. 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. So easy and delicious. 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. Can I Use Vitamin C in Skincare While Pregnant? Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. 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. 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. There are various lifestyle changes you can try to prevent the condition from progressing during pregnancy. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. 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. NIH. 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. Chloasma: The mask of pregnancy. Hyperpigmentation results when the skin produces excess melanin. Returns This doesnt mean you have to stay indoors when the sun is out, though. Bring up any additional symptoms you have with your doctor. If you didnt see it in pictures or a mirror, you wouldnt even know you had itit doesnt itch, hurt, or cause any other sensation. 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. Sun exposure triggers melanin production, and pregnancy makes the skin more sensitive and more prone to melanin production. Accessed 7/23/2020. Ask your healthcare provider if youre concerned about another condition. Melanin is the natural substance that gives color to hair, skin, and eyes. Retinoid treatments and many chemical peels sometimes used to treat hyperpigmentation in facial treatments are a no-go when youre expecting. Aside from pregnancy hormones, the suns UV rays, and genetics, there are other potential sparks that light the fire of 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. Commonly affected areas include your face, including the cheeks, upper lip and forehead, as well as the forearms. What Is Pregnancy Melasma? If the spots don't fade within a few months after having the baby, there are treatments to help fade them. 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. Pregnancy melasma is a pretty straightforward skin condition. You can also try other camouflaging makeup and skincare products, like concealers, full-coverage foundation, and skin-brightening products. Use sunscreen Using sunscreen is one of the best ways to ward off the harmful effects of sun exposure. 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. Then apply your foundation to the rest of your face, avoiding the patches. Non-pregnancy related hormonal changes like oral contraceptives may also cause skin hyperpigmentation. Wondering what skin care products are safe and which to avoid while pregnant? Yes, this also applies to tanning beds or any other environment where you would be exposed to UVA and UVB rays. The condition occurs in up to 70 percent of pregnant. Int J Womens Dermatol. Pregnant women have increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. For some women, contraceptives containing estrogen (such as the Pill, the patch, and the vaginal ring) can also contribute to melasma. 2019. Discover what they are here. Journal of Experimental and Basic Medical Sciences. Melasma is usually flat. A few alternative remedies, like turmeric and aloe vera, have shown at least some success at improving melasma. Dealing with melasma during pregnancy can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Don't expect instant results it may take many months to see improvement. Although this disorder is completely harmless, it understandably makes some people feel self-conscious. Other home remedies may actually make melasma worse. Is Any Acne Treatment Safe to Use During Pregnancy? 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. UV light exposure only makes hyperpigmentation worse by further darkening skin. The good news is that this hyperpigmentation likely wont get worse after you deliver your child. 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. With that being said, most people with melasma dont require treatmentits a personal choice. We'll tell you if it's safe. If you have the dermal pigment, it may take longer to fade away than if you have the epidermal pigment. 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. Make a good concealer your best friend. Fortunately, chloasma generally fades within a few months after giving birth. Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD is a board certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon specializing in the practice of both cosmetic and medical dermatology. Where are the discolorations located on your body? Dr. Arlo Miller answered Dermatology 17 years experience Avoid: I would not recommend it. 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. if not please suggest cream? Birth control, specifically oral contraceptive pills that contain estrogen and progesterone. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()). In fact, taking these precautions has been shown to lower your chance of getting melasma at any time in your life by 50%, and slashing your risk of pregnancy melasma by a whopping 90%. It's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. This can be a trigger for melasma. It sometimes affects your arms, neck and back. Melasma is only a pigmentary concern, and does not affect the health of the mother or baby. Even if its hot outside, loose-fitting clothing can be comfortable and protect your skin. Melasma is a highly common skin conditionand the majority of cases are among pregnant people. You may be referred to a dermatologist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 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. It takes a month or two to work, and it may cause burning, stinging, itching or tingling. 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. See a board-certified dermatologist to figure out the best and safest option for your skin. Its an organ the largest organ and it makes up about one-seventh of your body weight. Choose a corrective foundation and concealer that are non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and designed to cover hyperpigmentation. We avoid using tertiary references. Dr. Nazarian shares that she prefers a multipronged approach to treating pregnancy melasma. 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. These areas may get darker the more youre exposed to the sun or the further along you are in your pregnancy. 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. Melasma is hard to treat. It's considered safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeidng. A dermatologist will be able to perform treatments that your usual healthcare provider may not be able to. Melasma is common during pregnancy, as it is believed to be caused by increased levels of oestrogen in the blood. It is not visible under blacklight and is much more challenging to treat. Melasma (chloasma or mask of pregnancy) may be the most cosmetically troublesome skin condition associated with pregnancy ( Figure 2). First, apply the concealer to the patchy 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. Were explaining why this occurs, below. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. 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. Check out our article on safe skin care during pregnancy. Barsh G. What Controls Variation in Skin Color? Birth control pills, pregnancy, and hormone therapy can all help trigger melasma. Its often called the mask of pregnancy. Melasma happens because of overproduction of the cells that make the color of your skin. Melanin in the dermis within melanophages. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin. Youll be glowing again before you know it! Another exfoliation option would be to have a laser skin resurfacing treatment. There are some procedures that your dermatologist can do to improve your melasma. Utilization of Laser Therapy During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of the Maternal and Fetal Effects Reported From 1960 to 2017. Avoid exposure to sunlight without sunscreen. Melasma can even occur in men, although its far more common in women. Treatments include topical medications like: Your doctor may also recommend certain acids that lighten the skin, alone or in combination. In pregnant people, melasma often goes away on its own within a few months after giving birth. You're also more likely to develop melasma if it runs in your family. Occasionally, you might get it on the chest or arms, but that's unusual. Melasma is more common in people with medium to darker skin and seems to run in families. Its not painful, itchy, or uncomfortable in any way. Melasma is a skin condition characterized by brown or blue-gray patches or freckle-like spots. 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. 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. There are several topical, procedural, and oral therapies to manage melasma during pregnancy. It is supremely sensitive to the sun, worsening with relatively minimal exposure, cautions Dr. Belkin. 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. 2011;57(6):665-667. 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. In pregnancy, it's often referred to as chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy.". Your skin is made up of three layers. Look for noncomedogenic or hypoallergenic foundations, concealers, powders, and other products. Look for products that contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or other physical blockers (mineral sunscreens) versus those that rely on chemical blockers. 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. How to understand chronic pain; Tools. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-overview [Accessed September 2020], UpToDate. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Start at 2,000 International Units (IU) per day. Heres more about this condition, why it crops up in pregnancy, and how you can treat it safely. Accessed 7/23/20. However, you can take certain precautions to lower your risk of developing it while pregnant or otherwise. You may be able to lighten your melasma using ingredients from your pantry. Wide brimmed hats are your best friend. Despite the fact that pregnancy melasma isnt a dangerous condition, it can do a number on your self-esteem and confidence. A review of laser and light therapy in melasma. In addition, melasma can make skin that is already darker even more so. Melasma is a very common skin disorder, especially among pregnant women. If concealer causes other problems for example, if youve got oily or sensitive skin turn to pressed powder to lighten the spots. You may notice your nipples/areolas, armpits, or genitals become darker. Some people have melasma for years or their entire lives. Pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, sun exposure, medication side effects, genetics, age, inflammation, and skin injuries can all lead to different types of skin discoloration. Very common lumps found among women during pregnancy are clogged milk ducts. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Learn more about this common pregnancy skin change that you may experience when you're expecting. Sometimes, however, it persists. Read our. Read on to learn about what causes melasma during pregnancy and how to treat it. 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. Who is at risk of melasma? But, melasma patches are almost always larger than what we call age spots, sun spots, or liver spots. 2015;4:13240-13247. How can I prevent melasma from getting worse 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. Again, there are a variety of factors at play when it comes to darkening pigment. 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. In pregnancy, its often referred to as chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy.. Mix a solution of a half of fresh lemon juice and half of cucumber juice or water to lighten top . Can Fam Physician. Hormone treatments, specifically ones that involve estrogen. It is common, harmless and some treatments may help. Accessibility If you are exposed to the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen with iron oxides and a SPF of 30-50 applied every two hours, as well as a wide-brimmed hat. The first thing you need to do to treat your melasma is to make sure that it doesnt get any worse. In turn, the addition of vitamin C serum to skincare routines helps fight free radical damage, brightens the skin, and improves skin tone. 1 But certain conditions, like postpartum acne and dry skin, may be caused by the hormonal changes that happen during breastfeeding. American Academy of Family Physicians. Melasma appears most commonly on your cheeks, nose, chin, above the upper lip and the forehead. Dendritic (branched) pigmented melanocytes. 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. Speak with your doctor about ways to treat your melasma during pregnancy. Fairer-skinned people are less likely to be affected by melasma than those with darker brown skin or those who tan well. Its impossible to prevent melasma with certainty, but there are ways to reduce your risk or minimize the appearance of your melasma. Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. When this increases the amount of melanin produced also increases creating patches of darkened skin. ClinicalTrials.gov. Trivedi MK, Yang FC, Cho BK. Thankfully, the only thing it interferes with is your skins appearance, and its not the kind of skin condition that causes cancer or can turn into cancer. Is it normal to have melasma during pregnancy? Light-based procedures like intense pulsed light, non-ablative fractionated lasers and low fluence Q-switched lasers. 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. What Helps With Melasma During Pregnancy? Look for products that say fragrance-free, for sensitive skin, or non-comedogenic on the label. Although its a benign condition that doesnt cause any pain or discomfort, its appearance can negatively impact your confidence and self-esteem. Slather up with gentle products instead. Melasma is thought to be primarily related to; external sun exposure, external hormones like birth control pills, and internal hormonal changes during pregnancy.
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