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. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-overview [Accessed September 2020], UpToDate. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Last medically reviewed on April 30, 2021. Most people with melasma have a history of daily or intermittent sun exposure, although heat is also suspected to be an underlying factor. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. One reason is that it may resolve on its own. Only a dermatologist will be able to tell you for sure if you have pregnancy melasma. While pregnant, be careful to only use topical and oral treatments that are approved for pregnant women. 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. Returns Cat is a linguistic alchemist and expert wordsmith who has written and edited for some of the world's biggest brands. In addition to topical treatments and oral medication, Dr. Belkin recommends going that route, with a couple of caveats. Use sunscreen Using sunscreen is one of the best ways to ward off the harmful effects of sun exposure. The good news is that this hyperpigmentation likely wont get worse after you deliver your child. 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. A safer choice would be azeleic acid which is completely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If the skin changes are bothersome, consider another birth control option. Another option for sun cover is clothing with or without UV protection, such as SPF rash guards or sun protective clothing. Pregnancy and your body. : Richard Lorenzo, DO: OB-GYN Lasers, which can be irritating especially during pregnancy, are no-nos too. What Helps With Melasma During Pregnancy? 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. 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. Mix a solution of a half of fresh lemon juice and half of cucumber juice or water to lighten top . 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. The agents listed above rarely eradicate all of the melasma. Some people may feel embarrassed to allow others to see their skin condition. Too much screen time? Depending on the person, melasma may go away on its own, it may be permanent, or it may respond to treatment within a few months. 2021. 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? Non-pregnancy related hormonal changes like oral contraceptives may also cause skin hyperpigmentation. 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. 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 belly gets larger and your blood volume increases as your baby grows. This may . 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. We even asked a couple of board-certified dermatologists to weigh in. Your melasma is likely to go away when youre no longer pregnant. AAD. Sometimes, however, it persists. Signs of melasma during pregnancy Melasma occurs most often on the face as brown or grayish-brown patches that sometimes look blotchy. At this time there is no way to remove dermal pigment. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Melasma is common, normal and harmless, but it can be bothersome. As mentioned, pregnancy melasma is a skin condition thats pervasive among pregnant people. In pregnant people, melasma often goes away on its own within a few months after giving birth. However, a skin-friendly diet including adequate amounts of vitamin D is likely to help. Be sure that youre rounding out your diet by consuming supplemental omega-3 fatty acids. The same goes for makeup you may use to conceal the dark areas. Yes, but use cosmetics that include sunscreen and pay attention to any that may aggravate your melasma by irritating your skin. 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. In pregnancy, its often referred to as chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy.. And ask your doctor about any potential vitamin deficiencies. Careful sun protection is key. Look on the label for words like noncomedogenic, sensitive, fragrance-free, or dermatologist approved if you get overwhelmed in the beauty aisle. Skin conditions during pregnancy. Objective To determine the prevalence and awareness of melasma during pregnancy at the Shahed University Hospitals of Tehran, Iran. These discolorations are flat, clustered, asymmetrical splotches. Melasma: Causes, symptoms, pictures & treatment - Medical News Today We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. Start at 2,000 International Units (IU) per day. These steps may prevent your melasma from getting worse. The first thing you need to do to treat your melasma is to make sure that it doesnt get any worse. and the condition. It is very common in pregnant people and tends to appear during the second or third trimester. 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. Skin darkening during pregnancy (melasma or chloasma) And some treatment methods may not be safe or effective to use when pregnant. . If youre exercising, try avoiding peak sun hours in your area, generally the middle of the day. 2015;4:13240-13247. 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. Otherwise, speak with your doctor about the options for treatment and the benefits and risks of each. What is known is that there is a genetic component in the development of melasma. Another exfoliation option would be to have a laser skin resurfacing treatment. The following are common melasma triggers: In addition to the above, genetics play a crucial role. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Melasma is so frequent in pregnant people that it's sometimes called the "mask of pregnancy." Is Any Acne Treatment Safe to Use During Pregnancy? Learn more about this common pregnancy skin change that you may experience when you're expecting. 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. There are dermatologists who can help you. It might be appropriate for you to use a different medication to avoid the side effects. It is supremely sensitive to the sun, worsening with relatively minimal exposure, cautions Dr. Belkin. You can also try other camouflaging makeup and skincare products, like concealers, full-coverage foundation, and skin-brightening products. 2014;89:771-782. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143063. If you're seeking a preventive, we've gathered a few of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy. This can occur when youre pregnant due to an increase in hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone. Can breastfeeding increase melasma? - eCO2 Laser Questions & Answers See a board-certified dermatologist to figure out the best and safest option for your skin. 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. ), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. When you are pregnant, your body shows several changes. Since its unknown what causes melasma, aside from the things that trigger it, it can be difficult to prevent it. 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. It can be frustrating to deal with changes to your skin during pregnancy. There are also other tactics you can try. Changing hormones, particularly the excess of estrogen and progesterone, is the main cause of melasma during pregnancy. This doesnt mean you have to stay indoors when the sun is out, though. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. 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 usually starts between 20 and 40 years of age. Fairer-skinned people are less likely to be affected by melasma than those with darker brown skin or those who tan well. It's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. When your skin heals from the treatment, it may cause even more discoloration. Basit H, Godse KV, Al Aboud, AM. Look for products that say fragrance-free, for sensitive skin, or non-comedogenic on the label. If your melasma doesn't go away after you have your baby, you can discuss melasma treatment with your provider. 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. Adding a skin condition like melasma to the mix can be frustrating, especially if it's making you self-conscious about your appearance. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading ourmedical review and editorial policy. Make a good concealer your best friend. Melanin in the basal and suprabasal keratinocytes. Other agents that are being studied to improve melasma include: Dermatitis is a side effect of hydroquinone and tretinoin. 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. 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. That said, there are skin cancers that look similar to melasma, so its important to see your dermatologist to get a definitive diagnosis. A dermatologist will be able to perform treatments that your usual healthcare provider may not be able to. In pregnancy, it's often referred to as chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy.". You may be able to lighten your melasma using ingredients from your pantry. As youve likely already inferred from its alternate moniker, becoming pregnant puts you at a higher risk of developing pregnancy melasma. Women are more likely to get melasma than men: about 10% of those who get melasma are men, 90% women. She works full-time as a senior content manager at a multinational digital agency. These areas may get darker the more youre exposed to the sun or the further along you are in your pregnancy. Theyll use a Woods lamp (a black light) to see changes in the color of your skin. If your hyperpigmentation is accompanied by consistent itching, irritation or discomfort, its important to note that these are not symptoms of melasma. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Don't expect instant results it may take many months to see improvement. Sunlight: When sunlight hits our skin, it triggers the body to produce more melanin. Hello. Melasma is a skin condition that causes grayish-brown patches to appear, mostly on the face. Your epidermis contains cells called melanocytes that store and produce a dark color (pigment) known as melanin. Melasma can present with blotches or frecklesusually on the facethat are darker than the rest of your skin tone. Melasma: Treatment, Causes & Prevention - Cleveland Clinic Again, there are a variety of factors at play when it comes to darkening pigment. 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. Its impossible to prevent melasma with certainty, but there are ways to reduce your risk or minimize the appearance of your melasma. 3) Removing the melanin already present in the surface of the skin. 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. What about the face? Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Safe melasma treatment DURING pregnancy? - RealSelf.com This seems to explain why melasma develops on skin that gets the most sunlight like skin on the face, neck, and arms. What makes breast cancer come back? With that being said, most people with melasma dont require treatmentits a personal choice. A biopsy is quick, safe procedure routinely performed during a normal visit to your healthcare providers office. 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. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. All rights reserved. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Int J Womens Dermatol. Who is at risk of melasma? Pregnancy melasma, also known as a " pregnancy mask," is an extremely common condition that causes skin hyperpigmentation (i.e. However, there are skin cancers that may mimic melasma, so seeing your dermatologist is often recommended to confirm the correct diagnosis. 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. 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. Melasma can be slow to respond to treatment. 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. 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. Pregnancy. Despite the fact that pregnancy melasma isnt a dangerous condition, it can do a number on your self-esteem and confidence. She served as Chief Resident at one of the nations top dermatology programs The University of Texas at Houston and M.D. Hyperpigmentation results when the skin produces excess melanin. Melasma During Pregnancy: Is Hydroquinone Safe? I use a variety of modalities to treat this conditionspecific topicals and chemical peels, she shares. It may take several months for your hormones to balance and skin pigmentation to fade. Spontaneous recovery back to pre-pregnancy levels usually occurs within 6-12 months. Read our, Why Does Melasma Develop During Pregnancy. Choose a method of birth control that doesnt include hormones. What Is Melasma (Pregnancy Mask)? Causes, Pictures 2017;3(1):11-20. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.01.004. The good news: Pregnancy mask is usually temporary and fades after delivery or, in some cases, after you finish breastfeeding. Commonly affected areas include your face, including the cheeks, upper lip and forehead, as well as the forearms. Your skin is your barricade. 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. Solar elastosis and elastic fiber fragmentation. Undated. ; Telogen effluvium post-delivery is a compensatory decease in hair growth and shedding of hair. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. 6.7 AOBBIY Hyperpigment Remover. 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. Hormonal changes: The extra estrogen and progesterone your body makes during pregnancy can trigger melasma. darkening), especially among people who are pregnant. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Dermatol Surg. Pregnancy melasma is a pretty straightforward skin condition. Her go-to ingredients include vitamin C, kojic acid, and licorice root extract, as well as hydroquinone and glycolic acid. She works full-time as a senior content manager at a multinational digital agency. There are various lifestyle changes you can try to prevent the condition from progressing during pregnancy. It is not cancerous and does not become cancerous, nor does it have any effect on your pregnancy. There are preventative measures you can take. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Yes, its possible that your melasma will go away on its own within a few months. Read on to learn about what causes melasma during pregnancy and how to treat it. What are stretch marks? Birth control, specifically oral contraceptive pills that contain estrogen and progesterone. Dr. Belkin says his pregnancy melasma diagnoses center around the timing of its appearance and its placement. This frittata is high in protein and rich in essential nutrients your body needs to support a growing baby. Sometimes the patches can become red or inflamed. Youre also at a higher risk for it if you a have darker skin tone. Melasma Treatment: Home Remedies, Prescriptions, & Procedures Privacy Policy Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Melasma & Pregnancy | Melasma During Pregnancy - Health Centre Products that irritate the skin can make melasma worse. Melasma is harmless, physically, but can have an emotional impact. 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. At this time no medication can completely prevent melasma. Melasma is a highly common skin conditionand the majority of cases are among pregnant people. Treatments for melasma include topical creams, chemical peels, as well as gentle skin resurfacing procedures. There are three main methods of treatment for melasma: 1) Slowing down or stopping the creation of the pigment melanin. Are darkened spots on skin during pregnancy ever a sign of illness? We'll tell you what to avoid and some good, Skin tags are common during pregnancy and can be painful. 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. 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. 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. However, it is not likely to go away while youre pregnant or taking hormone contraceptives. Certain types of skin discoloration can be a symptom of skin cancer or other medical problems. And make sure youre getting the right treatment by confirming the diagnosis with your healthcare provider. Some melasma treatments are safe to begin during pregnancy. Yes, this also applies to tanning beds or any other environment where you would be exposed to UVA and UVB rays. If other treatments haven't helped, a dermatologist can lighten dark spots with laser treatments, but that's not the first option. 1 But certain conditions, like postpartum acne and dry skin, may be caused by the hormonal changes that happen during breastfeeding. There's no proven link between. Exactly How to Treat the Skin Discoloration. How Many Types of Pregnancy Melasma Are There? What Are Some Ways To Help Cope With Pregnancy Melasma? 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. A few alternative remedies, like turmeric and aloe vera, have shown at least some success at improving melasma. Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment - Verywell Health Fractional lasers are commonly used for treating melasma. Fluctuations in certain hormones can cause melasma, which is why it commonly occurs during pregnancy. (We know, weve felt that knee-jerk instinct at times, too.) StatPearls: Melasma. Melasma During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. 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. PMID: 30998530. Bring up any additional symptoms you have with your doctor. Hormones (including hormonal medications). 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. Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. If you have the dermal pigment, it may take longer to fade away than if you have the epidermal pigment. What medications and/or vitamins can I take to help heal my melasma? Melanin is the natural substance that gives color to hair, skin, and eyes. It protects your bones, muscles, organs and everything else from the cold, from germs, sunshine, moisture, toxic substances, injury and more. DermNet NZ; Science SourceA pregnancy mask may appear as dark, blotchy, brown, confetti-like patches of skin. Yes, it's common to develop blotchy spots of darker skin when you're pregnant, a condition called melasma or chloasma. 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. Primary symptoms include darkening patches of skin on the face, especially around the forehead, cheekbones, nose and upper lip. First, apply the concealer to the patchy spots. Pregnancy is not the only cause of melasma. Ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the sun are key in making melasma worse. Melasma is usually flat. Dendritic (branched) pigmented melanocytes. And, if youre pregnant, its appearance may improve on its own around three months after your baby arrives and your surge in pregnancy hormones stabilizes. Common Skin Conditions During Pregnancy | AAFP 15% to 50% of pregnant women get it. Swap out face washes, lotions or creams that contain fragrances or coloring.