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. But you dont have to just live with it. There are treatment options. Melasma is a skin condition that causes grayish-brown patches to appear, mostly on the face. Very common lumps found among women during pregnancy are clogged milk ducts. American Academy of Dermatology. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. ; Telogen effluvium post-delivery is a compensatory decease in hair growth and shedding of hair. NIH. Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()). Dendritic (branched) pigmented melanocytes. Most treatments take time to work, so the spots will fade gradually. The underlying cause of pregnancy melasma is unknown, beyond an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. In pregnant people, melasma often goes away on its own within a few months after giving birth. They can be safely used with topical medications, but only by specialists who have experience treating melasma. It is common, harmless and some treatments may help. Melasma will likely fade within three months after youre no longer pregnant. 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. Melasma is common, normal and harmless, but it can be bothersome. Women with darker complexions are more likely to have melasma than women with lighter skin. Plus, you cant change your genetics. Dr. Geddes-Bruce is fellowship-trained in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. Heres more about this condition, why it crops up in pregnancy, and how you can treat it safely. Depending on the person, melasma may go away on its own, it may be permanent, or it may respond to treatment. Bolanca I, et al. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. In pregnancy, its often referred to as chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy.. (We know, weve felt that knee-jerk instinct at times, too.) Another exfoliation option would be to have a laser skin resurfacing treatment. Remember that it's likely to go away after giving birth. Another option for sun cover is clothing with or without UV protection, such as SPF rash guards or sun protective clothing. The side effects of melasma treatments aren't entirely understood, and treatments may not be safe for you to use while you're pregnant. Melasma is not dangerous or cancerous, but it may affect how you feel about your appearance. Pregnancy: An increase in the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which occurs during pregnancy, is thought to trigger melasma. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. 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. What medications and/or vitamins can I take to help heal my melasma? Journal of Experimental and Basic Medical Sciences. Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD is a board certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon specializing in the practice of both cosmetic and medical dermatology. If it doesnt, pursue treatment options with your healthcare provider. Those with a combination of ingredients that help using different pathways to diminish pigment.. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Ask them questions and voice your concerns. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. Eva Dasher writes, researches, and edits content on a wide variety of subjects, including parenting, medicine, travel, natural history, science, business, and the arts. During pregnancy, melasma usually appears on the face as patchy or spotted areas of skin that are tan, brown, or sometimes blue-gray. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We'll tell you if it's safe. During pregnancy, melasma usually appears on the face as patchy or spotted areas of skin that are tan, brown, or sometimes blue-gray. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Accessibility It's unlikely that a healthcare provider will recommend treatment, as melasma often goes away on its own a few months after giving birth. Melasma appears slowly over a period of weeks or months. All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. Melanin is what gives skin its color. If your hyperpigmentation is accompanied by consistent itching, irritation or discomfort, its important to note that these are not symptoms of melasma. Genetics? 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. 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. Melasma (chloasma or mask of pregnancy) may be the most cosmetically troublesome skin condition associated with pregnancy ( Figure 2). Most people with melasma have a history of daily or intermittent sun exposure, although heat is also suspected to be an underlying factor. The outer layer is the epidermis, the middle is the dermis, and the deepest layer is the subcutis. 6.7 AOBBIY Hyperpigment Remover. Can i use 2% hydro quinine during pregnancy for melasma. How much youre out in the sun or even the time of year when youre pregnant may also affect when you first notice it. Shell also sometimes prescribe oral medication to slow down the rate of re-pigmentation and rebounding. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. If someone in your family has had melasma, youre more vulnerable to the condition. It usually starts between 20 and 40 years of age. Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. There are some milder products that may fade the spots safely, but don't take or use anything without consulting with your provider. Melasma can occur at any point in a pregnancy, although it typically develops during the second or third trimester. Why Does Pregnancy Make My Lips and Skin So Dry? 5 How to Prevent Melasma. However, she particularly enjoys the medical, aesthetic, pharma, mental health, and beauty realms. DermNet NZ; Science SourceA pregnancy mask may appear as dark, blotchy, brown, confetti-like patches of skin. Melasma that arises during pregnancy may go away on its own, but it wont happen overnight. Read our, Why Does Melasma Develop During Pregnancy. Whatever the case, your melanocyte-stimulating hormones react to these triggers by making an excess of protective pigments (dark patches) on the skin called melanin. In addition, melasma can make skin that is already darker even more so. With that being said, most people with melasma dont require treatmentits a personal choice. 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. 6 Treatment of Melasma during pregnancy. Sun exposure plays a role too. Overall, between 50 and 70 percent of people will develop some form of melasma during pregnancy. Dr. Nazarian shares that she prefers a multipronged approach to treating pregnancy melasma. Your dermatologist or other healthcare provider will examine your skin to diagnose melasma. If the skin changes are bothersome, consider another birth control option. Although its a benign condition that doesnt cause any pain or discomfort, its appearance can negatively impact your confidence and self-esteem. Although most skin-lightening ingredients are off-limits during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about whether you can apply topical azelaic acid to your skin for melasma. 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. Here are some of the most important things to know about melasma and how you can manage it during pregnancy: . (This can occur whether or not you choose to breastfeed, because estrogen and progesterone are not the hormones involved in lactationthose would be prolactin and oxytocin.). (2008). 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. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. One reason is that it may resolve on its own. 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. (Typically only 2 messages sent per month. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Accessed 7/23/2020. You may also develop dark patches on your cheeks, along your jawline, or on your forearms and other parts of your body that are exposed to the sun. This increased workload can cause shortness of breath and fatigue, and it is essential to take breaks and rest when needed. 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. This is because radiation from ultraviolet rays acts as a catalyst for melanin production. 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. A Woods lamp that emits black light may be used to determine the depth of the pigment. Treatments for melasma include topical creams, chemical peels, as well as gentle skin resurfacing procedures. At this time no foods or drinks are known by experts to directly cause, magically cure or worsen melasma. Exposure to the sun can make melasma worse. Use the treatment and management advice from your dermatologist or another healthcare provider. Are you interested in prescriptions that may improve your melasma? Wilkerson EC, Van Acker MM, Bloom BS, Goldberg DJ. 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. You may need to use different topicals or chemical peels to help get rid of stubborn pigment. 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. 2019 Jun;45(6):818-828. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001912. She works full-time as a senior content manager at a multinational digital agency. Doctors believe they may be caused by weight gain or extra hormones of pregnancy. Chemical peels address discoloration by exfoliating the top layers of skin, allowing newer and more evenly toned skin cells to rise to the surface. 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). Melasma. 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. Exposure to sunlight can make it more noticeable. Melasma: Management https://www.uptodate.com/contents/melasma-management [Accessed September 2020]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Avoid exposure to sunlight without sunscreen. It sometimes affects your arms, neck and back. Sometimes melasma will return and needs further treatment. 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. Hyperpigmentation results when the skin produces excess melanin. After all, as it progresses, it gets more difficult to treat. You're also more likely to develop melasma if it runs in your family. When did see the discoloration in your skin? https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-overview [Accessed September 2020], UpToDate. 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. All rights reserved. General Health. Cat is a linguistic alchemist and expert wordsmith who has written and edited for some of the world's biggest brands. 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. Pregnant women have increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. 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. 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. Unfortunately, there is no definitive treatment that will automatically make melasma disappear. Estimates vary, but up to 70% of pregnant people develop melasma. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Some studies link melasma to deficiency in iron and possibly vitamin B12. Where are the discolorations located on your body? Melasma is a common skin disorder. Epidermal melasma resides in the surface of the skin. Chloasma is a cosmetic concern. Melasma can even occur in men, although its far more common in women. The best course of treatment may actually be prevention, with the help of a few lifestyle changes. 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. Melasma typically darkens and lightens over time, often getting worse in the summer and better in the winter. 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 is known is that there is a genetic component in the development of melasma. 6.1 Neutrogena vitamin C complex serum. 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 may take several months for your hormones to balance and skin pigmentation to fade. Melasma is usually flat. Melasma may start at any point in your pregnancy, though it most commonly begins in the second or third trimester. 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. No. Your. Between 1.5% and 33% of the population may get melasma and it happens more often during a woman's reproductive years, and rarely happens during puberty. The agents listed above rarely eradicate all of the melasma. Lasers, which can be irritating especially during pregnancy, are no-nos too. Hormones (including hormonal medications). The linea nigra will probably fade back to its pre-pregnancy color several months after you deliver your baby, but may not completely disappear. 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. 2019. It doesnt itch or hurt, and it doesnt become malignant. Commonly affected areas include your face, including the cheeks, upper lip and forehead, as well as the forearms. Women are more likely to get melasma than men: about 10% of those who get melasma are men, 90% women. 6.4 EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen. Causes of melasma in pregnancy Skin hyperpigmentation during pregnancy is very common. Melasma is a harmless skin condition. Melasma is hard to treat. Originally coined in Latin, it loosely translates into black spot. While melasma doesnt actually cause black spots to appear on the skin, it does create brown or blue-gray discolorations that are grouped together to form larger patches. Melasma is a typically chronic disorder. Adding a skin condition like melasma to the mix can be frustrating, especially if it's making you self-conscious about your appearance. There's no proven link between. 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. U.S. National Library of Medicine. What are stretch marks? The darker color usually fades after pregnancy. 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 LED light from your television, laptop, cell phone and tablet. 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. Not all laser therapies are ideal for treating discoloration. And make sure youre getting the right treatment by confirming the diagnosis with your healthcare provider. 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. When you are pregnant, your body shows several changes. Read on to learn about what causes melasma during pregnancy and how to treat it. How to understand chronic pain; Tools. Some experts dont recommend treating melasma during pregnancy. She has authored a book about documentary filmmaking, a screenplay about a lost civil rights hero, and ghostwritten several memoirs. darkening), especially among people who are pregnant. 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. The good news is that this hyperpigmentation likely wont get worse after you deliver your child. Melasma is only a pigmentary concern, and does not affect the health of the mother or baby. It takes a month or two to work, and it may cause burning, stinging, itching or tingling. Is there a history of melasma in your family? If it bothers you, Dr. Belkin recommends using a tinted sunscreen to help, well, mask your pregnancy mask.. Birth control, specifically oral contraceptive pills that contain estrogen and progesterone. Sun exposure triggers melanin production, and pregnancy makes the skin more sensitive and more prone to melanin production. Nearly 50 to 70% of pregnant women show signs of a " mask of pregnancy". What skin solutions are off-limits during pregnancy? As mentioned, pregnancy melasma is a skin condition thats pervasive among pregnant people. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Yes, but use cosmetics that include sunscreen and pay attention to any that may aggravate your melasma by irritating your skin. 2020;1(2):65-67. doi:10.5606/jebms.2020.75614. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. All rights reserved. But you may be able to avoid the factors listed above which make melasma worse. But, it has to be gentle enough and done by an experienced board-certified dermatologist. This is because lasers can also exacerbate melasma, he explains. Dr. Arlo Miller answered Dermatology 17 years experience Avoid: I would not recommend it. Signs of melasma during pregnancy Melasma occurs most often on the face as brown or grayish-brown patches that sometimes look blotchy. Undated. Treatments include topical medications like: Your doctor may also recommend certain acids that lighten the skin, alone or in combination. Then apply your foundation to the rest of your face, avoiding the patches. Our. It doesnt affect your baby in any way or indicate any other pregnancy complications. Maternal adaptations to pregnancy: Skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes https://www.uptodate.com/contents/the-skin-hair-nails-and-mucous-membranes-during-pregnancy [Accessed September 2020], UpToDate. 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. What about the face? 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. It mimics discoloration of other skin conditions, and should be diagnosed by a board-certified dermatologist MD/DO to prevent misdiagnosis and incorrect treatments.. Dr. Belkin says his pregnancy melasma diagnoses center around the timing of its appearance and its placement. 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. 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. Choose a corrective foundation and concealer that are non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and designed to cover hyperpigmentation. Your healthcare provider may administer the test. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. Who is at risk of melasma? Spontaneous recovery back to pre-pregnancy levels usually occurs within 6-12 months. 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. The same goes for makeup you may use to conceal the dark areas. 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%. See your healthcare provider if you have concerns about another type of skin disorder. This common condition occurs in 50-70% of pregnant women. During pregnancy, the body goes through significant hormonal changes. Melasma during pregnancy is a skin condition in which melanocytes, the skin cells that produce melanin, produce more pigment than usual. Group Black's collective includes Essence, The Shade Room and Naturally Curly. The hormonal and physiologic changes during pregnancy are unique in the life of women. It protects your bones, muscles, organs and everything else from the cold, from germs, sunshine, moisture, toxic substances, injury and more. 2003 Oct;1(1): e27. This also tends to happen in areas where friction is common, such as your underarms and inner thighs. 2020. We even asked a couple of board-certified dermatologists to weigh in. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. Melasma does not cause any itching or pain and has no other physical symptoms. Around 33% to 50% of people with the condition have a family member with iteven a majority of identical twins share melasma. 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. Melasma is harmless, physically, but can have an emotional impact. Verywell Family's content is for informational and educational purposes only. What causes these skin changes during pregnancy? Pregnant women get melasma more often than anyone else. 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. How can I prevent melasma from getting worse during pregnancy? Therefore, wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. There are dermatologists who can help you. Melasma is sometimes called the mask of pregnancy because it frequently affects pregnant women. This discoloration is usually symmetrical and is most common on the cheeks and nose, but its also found on the forehead and upper lip. If you take preventative measures and follow any treatments recommended by your healthcare provider, your melasma might disappear. 2015;4:13240-13247. Match the foundation to your skin tone, but use a concealer thats a shade lighter. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. 6.3 Paula's Choice facial exfoliant. Melasma can return. Can I Use Vitamin C in Skincare While Pregnant? 6.6 Naturium vitamin C Complex Face Serum. Exactly How to Treat the Skin Discoloration. Is Any Acne Treatment Safe to Use During Pregnancy? It largely affects people who were assigned female at birtha whopping 90% of themduring their reproductive years, when theyre 20 to 40 years old. 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. It's typically diagnosed after an individual develops multiple pregnancies at once. Accessed 7/23/20. What makes breast cancer come back? StatPearls: Melasma. Some people may feel embarrassed to allow others to see their skin condition. There are several topical, procedural, and oral therapies to manage melasma during pregnancy. Barsh G. What Controls Variation in Skin Color? Birth control pills, pregnancy, and hormone therapy can all help trigger melasma. Although this disorder is completely harmless, it understandably makes some people feel self-conscious. 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. Chioma Ndubisi, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who specializes in sexual and reproductive health in New York, New York. Chemical peels and lasers may cause the surface layers of skin to die, cause post-procedure hyperpigmentation, and cause hypertrophic scars. Loosely translated, the word means black spot. If you have melasma youre probably experiencing light brown, dark brown and/or blue-gray patches on your skin. However, you can take certain precautions to lower your risk of developing it while pregnant or otherwise. People taking hormonal birth control - say you start taking the Pill again after you give birth - can also get melasma. If you experience these signs or develop severe irritation, you may be dealing with another condition. There are three types of melasma, categorized by how deep the darker pigment goes into the skin: During pregnancy, melasma usually appears on the face as patchy or spotted areas of skin that are tan, brown, or sometimes blue-gray. beneath the breasts during late pregnancy. How Many Types of Pregnancy Melasma Are There? ), 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. They usually fade in the first few months after . Are the soaps Im using right now aggravating my melasma (come with a list if you need to)? Wide brimmed hats are your best friend. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. But, keep in mind, once you experience this patchwork discoloration, youre more susceptible to it recurring if you become pregnant again. Melasma is a skin condition causing uneven, darkened areas or spots that look like freckles. When Might Melasma Develop During Pregnancy? Estrogen and progesterone, which are thought to trigger it, start building after 12 weeks and peak around 32 weeks. 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. To start treatment, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible when you see signs of melasma.