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Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. 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. 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. Hormonal changes: The extra estrogen and progesterone your body makes during pregnancy can trigger melasma. It doesnt affect your baby in any way or indicate any other pregnancy complications. Trivedi MK, Yang FC, Cho BK. 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. Wearing a good pregnancy-safe sunscreen with SPF 30+ is key. Sun exposure plays a role too. Melasma is common, normal and harmless, but it can be bothersome. Are the soaps Im using right now aggravating my melasma (come with a list if you need to)? Journal of Experimental and Basic Medical Sciences. You could also take a vitamin D supplement. Melasma does not cause any itching or pain and has no other physical symptoms. As mentioned, pregnancy melasma is a skin condition thats pervasive among pregnant people. At this time there is no way to remove dermal pigment. Melasma usually fades after a few months. Melasma that appears during pregnancy usually does go away within a few months after you give birth. Handel AC, Miot LDB, Miot HA. This pregnancy-friendly spin on traditional chili is packed with the nutrients your body needs when you're expecting. Returns You may notice dark patches or splotches on your forehead, cheeks, chin, or around your mouth. 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. If youre using concealer or foundation to cover your melasma, choose products developed for sensitive skin. Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences. 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. Your. Birth control, specifically oral contraceptive pills that contain estrogen and progesterone. Some people may feel embarrassed to allow others to see their skin condition. Shell also sometimes prescribe oral medication to slow down the rate of re-pigmentation and rebounding. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. It is very common in pregnant people and tends to appear during the second or third trimester. Fairer-skinned people are less likely to be affected by melasma than those with darker brown skin or those who tan well. If you feel that its negatively impacting your life, or you have any other concerns, try not to suffer in silence. Melasma is more common during pregnancy, affecting 15% to 50% of pregnant people. Your dermatologist may recommend one or more of the following: Hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and tretinoin (Retin-A) are just a few of the many options used to treat melasma. A safer choice would be azeleic acid which is completely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Treatments include topical medications like: Your doctor may also recommend certain acids that lighten the skin, alone or in combination. 2021. Estimates vary, but up to 70% of pregnant people develop melasma. 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. If it bothers you, Dr. Belkin recommends using a tinted sunscreen to help, well, mask your pregnancy mask.. It usually starts between 20 and 40 years of age. It takes a month or two to work, and it may cause burning, stinging, itching or tingling. Hyperpigmentation results when the skin produces excess melanin. Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. It might be appropriate for you to use a different medication to avoid the side effects. That said, prescribing instructions note that it should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Melasma that arises during pregnancy may go away on its own, but it wont happen overnight. Learn more about. 2. Although its a physically harmless skin condition, we know that it can be bothersome, even to the point of making you feel self-conscious in social settings. After all, as it progresses, it gets more difficult to treat. Bolanca I, Bolanca Z, Kuna K, Vukovi A, Tuckar N, Herman R, Grubisi G. Chloasmathe mask of pregnancy. Your epidermis contains cells called melanocytes that store and produce a dark color (pigment) known as melanin. So easy and delicious. Around 33% to 50% of people with the condition have a family member with iteven a majority of identical twins share melasma. In pregnant people, melasma often goes away on its own within a few months after giving birth. Melasma: causes. 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. 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. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/27/2020. There are several topical, procedural, and oral therapies to manage melasma 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. darkening), especially among people who are pregnant. Melasma is a common skin disorder. Be sure that youre rounding out your diet by consuming supplemental omega-3 fatty acids. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()). In addition to topical treatments and oral medication, Dr. Belkin recommends going that route, with a couple of caveats. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Women are more likely to get melasma than men: about 10% of those who get melasma are men, 90% women. First, apply the concealer to the patchy spots. You can also try other camouflaging makeup and skincare products, like concealers, full-coverage foundation, and skin-brightening products. Chloasma may also be worsened by hormonal imbalances that may have been present even before pregnancy. There are two main causes of melasma: radiation, whether ultraviolet, visible light, or infrared (heat) light; and hormones. Youre also at risk if you take oral contraceptives and hormones. 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? See your dermatologist in that instance. If other treatments haven't helped, a dermatologist can lighten dark spots with laser treatments, but that's not the first option. Melasma is thought to be primarily related to; external sun exposure, external hormones like birth control pills, and internal hormonal changes during pregnancy. Melasma: Management https://www.uptodate.com/contents/melasma-management [Accessed September 2020]. However, she particularly enjoys the medical, aesthetic, pharma, mental health, and beauty realms. For some women, contraceptives containing estrogen (such as the Pill, the patch, and the vaginal ring) can also contribute to melasma. 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. The spots develop when the hormones trigger cells called melanocytes, which go into overdrive and produce more of a substance called melanin. You may notice your nipples/areolas, armpits, or genitals become darker. At this time no foods or drinks are known by experts to directly cause, magically cure or worsen melasma. It largely affects people who were assigned female at birtha whopping 90% of themduring their reproductive years, when theyre 20 to 40 years old. Only a dermatologist will be able to tell you for sure if you have pregnancy melasma. Doctors believe they may be caused by weight gain or extra hormones of pregnancy. Journal of Experimental and Basic Medical Sciences. Skin care products that irritate your skin. 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. There are also some procedures including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and other light therapies that may work. It is not cancerous and does not become cancerous, nor does it have any effect on your pregnancy. It sometimes affects your arms, neck and back. When Might Melasma Develop During Pregnancy? Cut down on screen time in front of your LED screen television, tablet, mobile phone and computer. First and foremost, try to resist the urge to self-diagnose. Pregnancy is not the only cause of melasma. 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. Slather up with gentle products instead. Here are some of the most important things to know about melasma and how you can manage it during pregnancy: . Theyre also commonly mistaken for freckles or age spots, however, those tend to be smaller. Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. It's considered safe during both pregnancy and breastfeeidng. Azelaic cream, lotion, or gel can sting. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. If the skin changes are bothersome, consider another birth control option. Again, there are a variety of factors at play when it comes to darkening pigment. Our. It doesnt itch or hurt, and it doesnt become malignant. 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%. What is known is that there is a genetic component in the development of melasma. A topical treatment isnt your only option. The good news is that this hyperpigmentation likely wont get worse after you deliver your child. Chloasma: The mask of pregnancy. 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. 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. Medications that may cause or worsen melasma. You may be referred to a dermatologist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If you have the dermal pigment, it may take longer to fade away than if you have the epidermal pigment. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Can I Use Vitamin C in Skincare While Pregnant? Make a good concealer your best friend. our editorial and medical review policies, dark line down the center of your abdomen (the linea nigra), Skin Darkening and Discoloration During Pregnancy. 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. These hormones are thought to contribute to your melasma. Unfortunately, there is no definitive treatment that will automatically make melasma disappear. With that being said, most people with melasma dont require treatmentits a personal choice. They include medications, makeup, and cosmetics that irritate your skin or make it more sensitive to sunlight, the blue light emitted from your devices, and underlying thyroid disease. Melasma: a clinical and epidemiological review. An increase in estrogen levels can worsen melasma. Check out our article on safe skin care during pregnancy. If you experience these signs or develop severe irritation, you may be dealing with another condition. Read on to learn about what causes melasma during pregnancy and how to treat it. (2020). Read our. Melasma is harmless. This discoloration is usually symmetrical and is most common on the cheeks and nose, but its also found on the forehead and upper lip. 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. Causes of melasma in pregnancy Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. Ali, S, Bali S, P S. Hormonal evaluation in females having melasma. Learn about special offers, current clinical research studies, and more. You can live melasma-free with the right combination of treatments. 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 may be triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy, which stimulate a temporary increase in the amount of melanin your body produces. Most people with melasma have a history of daily or intermittent sun exposure, although heat is also suspected to be an underlying factor. Make a mask with cooked oatmeal and honey, leave it on skin for about 10 min and wash it. Your birth control? By Cat Matta If youve noticed dark patches of skin on your face, you may have melasma. Kalayc M. Pregnancy Mask: Melasma. 1 But certain conditions, like postpartum acne and dry skin, may be caused by the hormonal changes that happen during breastfeeding. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Are you interested in procedures that may improve your melasma? These are red, tender-to-the-touch, hard lumps in your breasts. 2003 Oct;1(1): e27. Kalayc M. Pregnancy mask: melasma. 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. Light-based procedures like intense pulsed light, non-ablative fractionated lasers and low fluence Q-switched lasers. 2) Stopping the transfer of that pigment to the surface of the skin where it appears as dark spots. She served as Chief Resident at one of the nations top dermatology programs The University of Texas at Houston and M.D. 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. 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. Primary symptoms include darkening patches of skin on the face, especially around the forehead, cheekbones, nose and upper lip. 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 (We know, weve felt that knee-jerk instinct at times, too.) 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. For many people, pregnancy melasma can improve after youre no longer pregnantonce your hormonal levels return to their normal, pre-pregnant levels. These steps may prevent your melasma from getting worse. Most treatments take time to work, so the spots will fade gradually. 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. Its impossible to prevent melasma with certainty, but there are ways to reduce your risk or minimize the appearance of your melasma. Your skin color and type may make this condition more or less noticeable. Then apply your foundation to the rest of your face, avoiding the patches. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Melasma appears slowly over a period of weeks or months. However, she particularly enjoys the medical, aesthetic, pharma, mental health, and beauty realms. It is typically hormonally-triggered, much more common in women, and often arising or worsening in pregnancy or with birth control pills. The surge in hormones you experience when youre pregnant makes your skin more susceptible to sunlight and other pregnancy melasma triggers. They are generally tan or brownish in color, but can look blue-gray on people with naturally darker skin color. It usually develops in one or more of these areas: Cheeks . Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. It's typically diagnosed after an individual develops multiple pregnancies at once. Estrogen and progesterone, which are thought to trigger it, start building after 12 weeks and peak around 32 weeks. The following are common melasma triggers: In addition to the above, genetics play a crucial role. Dr. Geddes-Bruce is fellowship-trained in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. If hyperpigmentation started in pregnancy or after birth control pills, or worsens in summer, that would suggest melasma, he says. Pregnant women have increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. While pregnant, be careful to only use topical and oral treatments that are approved for pregnant women. Look for products that contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or other physical blockers (mineral sunscreens) versus those that rely on chemical blockers. Products that irritate the skin can make melasma worse. 6.6 Naturium vitamin C Complex Face Serum. The association between melasma and iron profile: A case-control study. Pregnant women get melasma more often than anyone else. Melasma appears most commonly on your cheeks, nose, chin, above the upper lip and the forehead. Nearly 50 to 70% of pregnant women show signs of a " mask of pregnancy". Learn more aboutour editorial and medical review policies. There are preventative measures you can take. Wilkerson EC, Van Acker MM, Bloom BS, Goldberg DJ. To start treatment, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible when you see signs of melasma. 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. Its dark brown in color, has well-defined borders, glows under blacklight, and can respond well to treatment. . 2017;3(1):11-20. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.01.004. This means that its long-lasting (three months or more). You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. The mechanism that causes Melasma is not well understood, but there is a strong correlation between hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, ovarian cysts, etc. The condition occurs in up to 70 percent of pregnant. Is Any Acne Treatment Safe to Use During Pregnancy? Melasma will likely fade within three months after youre no longer pregnant. 6.5 CeraVe Vitamin C Serum. 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. This can be a trigger for melasma. Melasma is only a pigmentary concern, and does not affect the health of the mother or baby. A review of laser and light therapy in melasma. It is very likely that if you were going to get Melasma at the time of . Yes. Melanin in the basal and suprabasal keratinocytes. 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. 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. Hello. Anderson Cancer Center. Chemical peels and lasers may cause the surface layers of skin to die, cause post-procedure hyperpigmentation, and cause hypertrophic scars. Melasma can be managed, but often not entirely cured, in the sense that in someone who is predisposed, it can always come back. Another exfoliation option would be to have a laser skin resurfacing treatment. Skin conditions commonly confused with melasma include: If you have melasma, the results of the biopsy will typically reveal the following: The severity of your melasma can be measured by using the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI). If you opt for a spa treatment during pregnancy, be sure to let your esthetician know that youre pregnant. Dealing with melasma during pregnancy can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Aside from pregnancy hormones, the suns UV rays, and genetics, there are other potential sparks that light the fire of melasma. Ask your healthcare provider if youre concerned about another condition. Pregnancy melasma is a pretty straightforward skin condition. I look for symmetry, since it would be unusual to have melasma only or much worse on one side of the face.. Choose a corrective foundation and concealer that are non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and designed to cover hyperpigmentation. 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. As youve likely already inferred from its alternate moniker, becoming pregnant puts you at a higher risk of developing pregnancy melasma. StatPearls: Melasma. 2021. Last medically reviewed on April 30, 2021. Exposure to sunlight can make it more noticeable. Dr. Nazarian shares that she prefers a multipronged approach to treating pregnancy melasma. 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. Dermal melasma is light brown or bluish, with blurred borders. Melasma is usually flat. 6.1 Neutrogena vitamin C complex serum. 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. Coll Antropol. Discover what they are here. Spots of melasma can sometimes be mistaken for freckles but they are not the same skin condition. Pregnancy melasma, and melasma in general, fall into three categories based on how deep into the skin the dark spots are: epidermal, dermal, and mixed. 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. Dr. Belkin says his pregnancy melasma diagnoses center around the timing of its appearance and its placement. You may see a line (linea nigra) extending from the pubic area over the belly, or darkening of the skin all over the body. Chioma Ndubisi, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who specializes in sexual and reproductive health in New York, New York. When did see the discoloration in your skin? We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Start at 2,000 International Units (IU) per day. Since its unknown what causes melasma, aside from the things that trigger it, it can be difficult to prevent it. Sunlight: When sunlight hits our skin, it triggers the body to produce more melanin. The underlying cause of pregnancy melasma is unknown, beyond an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. In pregnancy, it's often referred to as chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy.". Remember that it's likely to go away after giving birth. They can appear as flat patches or freckle-like spots. 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. What Are Some Ways To Help Cope With Pregnancy Melasma? However, there are skin cancers that may mimic melasma, so seeing your dermatologist is often recommended to confirm the correct diagnosis. Pregnancy woes: 4 common skin issues Melasma, or chloasma, as it's called during pregnancy, appears mostly on the face, on sun-exposed areas like your cheeks, nose, upper lip and forehead, says Raymond. 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. General Health. In addition, melasma can make skin that is already darker even more so. Even if its hot outside, loose-fitting clothing can be comfortable and protect your skin. 1st ed. 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. 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. Melasma can develop at any time during your pregnancy, however. Don't expect instant results it may take many months to see improvement. American Academy of Dermatology. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. 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. The worse it gets, the harder it will be for treatments to work.