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Neck blackening during pregnancy


Skin changes during pregnancy - BabyCentre UK

In this article

  • Why does my skin change in pregnancy?
  • Can skin changes in pregnancy be harmful?
  • Why is pregnancy giving me stretchmarks?
  • Why is my skin darker now I'm pregnant?
  • What’s this dark line running up my bump?
  • Does "pregnancy glow" really exist?
  • Why do I have red veins on my cheeks?
  • Why is pregnancy giving me spots?
  • Why is my skin more sensitive than normal?

Why does my skin change in pregnancy?

There are so many changes going on inside your body during pregnancy, it’s hardly surprising if changes show on the outside, too. Apart from your growing bump, that is!

During pregnancy, you may develop:

  • stretch marks
  • changes in skin colour (pigmentation)
  • spots or acne
  • broken veins
  • sensitive skin
  • itchy skin (Pomeranz 2018a)

Changes to hormones, your circulation, and your immune system affect your skin's appearance and sensitivity. It'll mostly get back to normal after you've had your baby (Murray and Hassall 2014, NHS 2018a, Pomeranz 2018a), though some skin changes, such as stretch marks, will fade, rather than disappear.

Stretch marks and pigmentation changes are thought to run in families (Pomeranz 2018a, Tyler 2015). So if your mum or sister had them during their pregnancies, you may be more likely to develop them too.

Your body changes in pregnancy

Our video reveals how your body changes and makes room for your developing baby. Watch the amazing process in action.More inside pregnancy videos

Can skin changes in pregnancy be harmful?

The usual skin changes that happen during pregnancy aren’t harmful to you or your baby (Pomeranz 2018a, Vaughan Jones et al 2014).

Rarely, though, skin problems can be a sign of something that needs medical treatment.

For a small number of women, severe itching is a symptom of obstetric cholestasis (OC), also known as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. OC is a complication that affects your liver, causing bile acids to build up in your body (RCOG 2011).

With OC, the itching may be more noticeable on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, and it may be worse at night (Lindor and Lee 2019a, RCOG 2011). See your doctor or midwife if you have these symptoms, so that they can test your liver function (Vaughan Jones et al 2014).

Your doctor can prescribe creams or medication to give you relief from the itching (Lindor and Lee 2019, RCOG 2011). You'll be under the care of a consultant obstetrician for the rest of your pregnancy (RCOG 2011). Read more about OC.

Pregnancy can also cause an extremely rare itchy red rash called pemphigoid gestationis (Vaughan Jones et al 2014). This happens when your body has an immune response, possibly triggered by traces of placenta tissues entering your bloodstream. If you have a red itchy rash, it's very unlikely to be pemphigoid gestationis, but always check any skin condition with your midwife or doctor, just in case.

Some changes in skin colour can be caused by other conditions, which are nothing to do with pregnancy. Get medical advice if you notice any changes in the colour or size of a mole, or other birthmark (Pomeranz 2018a).

Why is pregnancy giving me stretchmarks?

Pregnancy hormones affect the middle layer of your skin so that it no longer binds as well with the other layers of your skin (NHS 2016a, Tyler 2015). That's what causes the slight ridges and lines to appear. The marks will be a different colour to your usual skin tone, ranging from pink to brown, black or purple (Pomeranz 2018a).

You may notice stretch marks on your breasts, belly and thighs as your baby grows bigger and you put on weight (Pomeranz 2018a, Tyler 2015).

There are products you can buy to try to prevent stretch marks, but there's no real evidence that they work (NHS 2016a, Pomeranz 2018a).

If your stretch marks become itchy and red, especially in your third trimester, you may have polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP). It's a harmless pregnancy side-effect, but it can be irritating. Read more about PEP (Pomeranz 2018b).

After your baby's born, your stretch marks should fade slowly and become paler than your usual skin tone (Tyler 2015). It can take up to one or two years for this to happen (Pomeranz 2018a). Try to see your stretch marks as a positive. After all, you’re growing a baby!

Why is my skin darker now I'm pregnant?

Areas of your skin turning darker is often one of the first signs that you’re pregnant. You may notice that your nipples and the surrounding skin (areolas) darken (Pomeranz 2018a). Other pigmented areas, such as moles and freckles, may darken too (NHS 2018a, Pomeranz 2018a).

If you're dark-skinned, the area around your tummy button may darken, as well as your armpits and inner thighs (Pomeranz 2018a, Tyler 2015). These areas will lighten again with time, after the birth (NHS 2018a, Pomeranz 2018a, Tyler 2015), although some areas may stay slightly darker than they were before (NHS 2018a, Tyler 2015).

Darker patches of pigmentation on your forehead, cheeks, and neck are known as melasma, or chloasma, or mask of pregnancy. Melasma is caused by your body making extra melanin, the tanning pigment, which protects your skin against ultraviolet (UV) light (BAD 2018). Up to three quarters of mums-to-be are thought to experience this in pregnancy (Pomeranz 2018a, Tyler 2015). It happens because of pregnancy hormones but your family history can play a role, too (BAD 2018, Filoni et al 2019).

Being in the sun may darken your patches, making them more noticeable (BAD 2018, Tyler 2015). To protect your skin, use a sunblock (SPF30 or more), or wear a hat outside, and try to keep to the shade as much as possible (BAD 2018, Pomeranz 2018a).

It’s understandable if you feel self-conscious about your patches, but they're likely to fade within about a year of your baby’s birth (Pomeranz 2018a). In the meantime, tinted moisturiser, foundation and concealer can all help to even out skin tone (BAD 2018).

One mum in 10 finds that her patches stay (Murray and Hassall 2014, Tyler 2015) and may be worsened by using hormonal contraceptives after pregnancy (Murray and Hassall 2014). If this is the case, your doctor can prescribe treatments that you apply to your skin (BAD 2018, Pomeranz 2018a).

What’s this dark line running up my bump?

The vertical line that appears down the middle of your belly is called a linea nigra. It usually runs from the top of your pubic bone to the middle of your belly, but sometimes crosses your belly button to just below your breastbone (sternum) (Pomeranz 2018a).

A linea nigra tends to appear around the second trimester (APA 2015). Not everybody gets a linea nigra, though, so don't worry if you don't have one.

Although the linea nigra appears over your abdominal muscles, which stretch and open a little as your baby grows, it's not caused by this gap. It's caused by pigmentation of the skin, again due to hormone changes (Pomeranz 2018a, Tyler 2015).

The line should fade a few months after you’ve given birth (Pomeranz 2018a).

Does "pregnancy glow" really exist?

The "bloom" or "glow" of pregnancy is not just a saying. Your skin retains more moisture during pregnancy, which plumps it up, smoothing out any fine lines and wrinkles (Pomeranz 2018a).

The pinkish glow that makes you look so well is caused by changes in hormone levels, and by the extra blood circulating round your body (APA 2015). Your circulation will fluctuate, though. So sometimes you'll feel warm and flushed, and at other times you'll feel cooler and look paler (Pomeranz 2018a).

The downside of this effect is that when your body holds on to moisture it may make your ankles and legs swell (Pomeranz 2018a). Also, blood flow to your skin may make any red patches on your face, neck, or chest more visible. These will calm down within a few months of giving birth.

Drink plenty of water, as this can actually help your body to hoard less water (NHS 2018b). Your skin will also benefit if you keep well hydrated (Palma et al 2015).

Why do I have red veins on my cheeks?

Tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that break are known as spider veins or naevi. They’re harmless and common in pregnancy (Pomeranz 2018a).

Extra blood circulating in your body, which puts pressure on capillaries, and higher levels of the hormone oestrogen, are two reasons why you may have broken veins. You’re most likely to notice them in your face, throat, neck and arms (Tyler 2015).

Spider veins will fade within a few months of giving birth (Pomeranz 2018a, Tyler 2015), once your hormone levels have settled down.

You may also notice that your palms are more reddish because the surface capillaries are widened (Pomeranz 2018a). This is called palmar erythema. It's harmless and, like spider veins, will fade after you've had your baby (Pomeranz 2018a, Tyler 2015).

Why is pregnancy giving me spots?

You may have thought you'd put the years of raging hormones behind you. But pregnancy can bring the unwelcome return of spots or acne (Bechstein and Ochsendorf 2017).

In pregnancy, the raised levels of hormones encourage the production of sebum, the oil that keeps your skin supple (Pomeranz 2018a). Too much sebum causes pores to become blocked, resulting in greasy skin and spots (NHS 2019).

The glands that make sebum are most active in late pregnancy (Pomeranz 2018a). If you had acne before getting pregnant, you may find that it calms down in the first trimester, but flares up again in the third trimester (Vaughan Jones et al 2014).

The little bumps around the dark area of your nipple may also become more raised (Tyler 2015, Vaughan Jones et al 2014). The bumps are called Montgomery tubercles and they produce sebum to moisturise your nipple (Pomeranz 2018a). Up to half of pregnant women experience this – the bumps will go down after you've had your baby (Pomeranz 2018a).

To protect your skin:

  • Don't over-cleanse, as this may dry your skin. Wash your face twice a day with a gentle soap, or use a fragrance-free cleanser for make-up. This will be plenty to keep your skin clean and fresh.
  • Choose water-based, rather than oil-based products that won’t block your pores. Look for products that are labelled "noncomedogenic" or "pH-balanced".
  • Resist the temptation to pick or squeeze your spots, to protect your skin from scarring.
  • Eat healthily(NICE 2018).

Acne rosacea can worsen during pregnancy (Vaughan Jones et al 2014). Along with spots, rosacea can cause facial flushing and persistent redness of the skin, particularly across your cheeks, nose and chin (NICE 2018b). Possible triggers include very hot or cold weather, sunlight, and spicy food (NICE 2018b). Your doctor can prescribe a cream and a low dose of medicine that’s safe for you to take in pregnancy (NICE 2018b, Vaughan Jones et al 2014).

Don’t use acne creams or treatments unless your GP advises you to. Some acne treatments aren't suitable for pregnancy, because they could harm your unborn baby (APA 2015, DermNet NZ 2014, NICE 2018a, b).

After your baby's birth, you’ll probably find that your skin returns to its pre-pregnancy condition, as your hormone and sebum levels return to normal (Bagatin et al 2019).

Why is my skin more sensitive than normal?

Higher hormone levels, more blood flowing to your skin, and the fact that your skin has become stretched and delicate, can make it feel sensitive. Soaps, detergents and skincare products that you’ve used for months, or even years, may suddenly cause your skin to flare up.

Skin conditions that you had before you became pregnant may improve or worsen because of changes to how your immune system works.

If you have psoriasis, you may find that it improves (Lin and Huang 2016, Vaughan Jones et al 2014). This is because the immune cells that cause your psoriasis tend to decrease in pregnancy (Vaughan Jones et al 2014). However, some women find that their psoriasis gets much worse during this time and needs more intensive treatment (Vaughan Jones et al 2014).

Other types of immune cells increase during pregnancy. So conditions that are caused by these cells, such as eczema or lupus, can get worse (Vaughan Jones et al 2014). Some women develop a red, itchy rash that looks like eczema, called atopic eruption of pregnancy (AEP).

You may find that your skin burns more easily (NHS 2018a) or that it feels prickly after you’ve been out in the sun (Pomeranz 2018a). Use a sunblock (SPF30 or higher), and try to keep out of direct sunlight as much as possible (BAD 2013, NHS 2016b).

It's also normal to be more sensitive to substances that didn't affect you before pregnancy, such as the chlorine in swimming pools. Dabbing moisturiser or lotion onto itchy areas, or using a bath emollient, should help to protect your skin (Vaughan Jones et al 2014).

Hives (urticaria or nettle rash) are common in the second half of pregnancy (Pomeranz 2018a). Hives are raised, swollen areas on your skin that are very itchy. They are caused by your body producing histamine in response to a trigger, such as temperature changes, a substance you're allergic to, or an infection (NHS 2018c).

Hives may appear on any part of your body, and may come and go for anything from a few minutes to a few days (NHS 2018c). Hives can be easily treated with an oral antihistamine that’s safe to use in pregnancy (Pomeranz 2018a, Vaughan Jones et al 2014).

See your midwife or doctor if you have any concerns about a skin condition.

Find out how pregnancy affects your hair and nails.

References

APA. 2015. Skin changes during pregnancy. American Pregnancy Association. americanpregnancy.org [Accessed July 2019]

BAD. 2013. Sunscreen and sun safety factsheet. British Association of Dermatologists. www.bad.org.uk [Accessed July 2019]

BAD. 2018. Melasma. British Association of Dermatologists. www.bad.org.uk [Accessed July 2019]

Bagatin E, Preoenca de Freitas TH, Machago MCR, et al. 2019. Adult female acne: a guide to clinical practice. An Bras Dermatol 94(1):62-75. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov [Accessed July 2019]

Bechstein SK, Ochsendorf F. 2017. Acne and rosacea in pregnancy. Hautarzt 68(2):111-9

Bechtel MA. 2018. Pruritus in pregnancy and its management. Dematol Clin 36(3):259-65

DermNet NZ. 2014. Acne in pregnancy. www.dermnetnz.org [Accessed July 2019]Lin X, Huang T. 2016. Impact of pregnancy and oestrogen on psoriasis and potential therapeutic use of selective oestrogen receptor modulators for psoriasis. JEADV 30(7):1085-91

Lindor KD, Lee RH. 2019. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. UpToDate. www.uptodate.com [Accessed July 2019]

Murray I, Hassall J. 2014. Change and adaptation in pregnancy. In: Marshall JE, Raynor MD. eds. Myles Textbook for Midwives. 16th ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 143-77

NHS. 2016a. Stretch marks in pregnancy. NHS, Health A-Z, Pregnancy and baby. www.nhs.uk [Accessed July 2019]

NHS. 2016b. Sunscreen and sun safety. NHS, Live well, Healthy body. www.nhs.uk [Accessed July 2019]

NHS. 2016c. Itching and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. www.nhs.uk [Accessed July 2019]

NHS. 2018a. Common pregnancy problems: skin and hair changes in pregnancy. NHS, Health A-Z, Pregnancy and baby. www.nhs.uk [Accessed July 2019]

NHS. 2018b. Swollen ankles, feet and fingers in pregnancy. NHS, Health A-Z, Pregnancy and baby. www.nhs.uk [Accessed July 2019]

NHS 2018c. Hives. NHS, Health A-Z. www.nhs.uk [Accessed July 2019]

NHS 2019. Acne - causes. NHS, Health A-Z. www.nhs.uk [Accessed July 2019]

NICE. 2018a. Acne vulgaris. Scenario: management of acne vulgaris in primary care. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Clinical Knowledge Summaries. cks.nice.org.uk [Accessed July 2019]

NICE. 2018b. Rosacea - acne. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Clinical Knowledge Summaries. cks.nice.org.uk [Accessed July 2019]

Palma L, Marques LT,Bujan J et al. 2015. Dietary water affects human skin hydration and biomechanics. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 8:413-421

Pomeranz MK. 2018a. Maternal adaptations to pregnancy: skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. UpToDate. www.uptodate.com [Accessed July 2019]

Pomeranz MK. 2018b. Dermatoses of pregnancy. UpToDate. www.uptodate.com [Accessed July 2019]

RCOG 2011. Obstetric cholestasis. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Green-top guideline, 43. www.rcog.org.uk [Accessed July 2019]

Tyler KH. 2015. Physiological skin changes during pregnancy. Clin Obstet Gynecol 58(1):119-24

Vaughan Jones S, Ambros-Rudolph C, Nelson-Piercy C. 2014. Skin disease in pregnancy. BMJ 348:g3489

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Skin Darkening During Pregnancy: Dealing with Melasma

Are you pregnant and noticing dark spots on your face, arms, or legs?

Pregnancy comes with a lot of changes. But one of the most shocking can be your skin and freckles getting darker.

In this article, we’re going to discuss melasma (also known as “pregnancy mask”), one of the little-discussed symptoms of pregnancy. We’ll talk about why it happens, if it’s normal, and what we can do if it happens to us.

Table of Contents

  • Is Skin Darkening During Pregnancy Normal?
  • Causes of Melasma
  • Can I Prevent Skin Darkening During Pregnancy?
  • 9 Remedies That May Help
  • Will It Go Away After Pregnancy?
  • The Bottom Line

Is Skin Darkening During Pregnancy Normal?

Although it may not be one of the most talked-about pregnancy symptoms, skin darkening, known as melasma or chloasma, is entirely normal. It is sometimes referred to as “the mask of pregnancy” because it often appears on the face, especially the forehead, nose, and cheekbones (1).

But while the face is the most common area for discoloration to occur, it can happen anywhere on the body. Skin darkening is also common in areas often exposed to the sun, like your arms and legs, as well as your underarms, where friction can easily occur (2).

Another common pregnancy symptom, the linea nigra, is thought to occur because of the same process.

Causes of Melasma

Just as estrogen causes hair growth during pregnancy, and progesterone can cause bloating, hormones are also the likely cause of skin darkening. But no one is entirely sure which hormone is the culprit.

Melanocytes are the skin cells responsible for pigment. Melanocyte-stimulating hormones increase during the second and third trimesters. Some experts believe that melasma it is caused by increased progesterone during pregnancy because it is fairly common in menopausal women who take progesterone supplements (3).

Others think it is the increased estrogen levels that increase the production of melanin (4).

Who Gets It

The one thing experts agree on is skin darkening in pregnancy is more common in women who already have increased skin pigmentation, including women of African, Asian, and Latin American descent (5).

Can I Prevent Skin Darkening During Pregnancy?

Unfortunately, you need the increased hormones that likely cause melasma to help your baby develop and grow. Estrogen, for example, helps your baby develop normally, while progesterone helps your uterus thicken and be a healthy environment for your baby .

Because these hormones are essential for your baby’s development, there is nothing we can do to entirely prevent skin darkening during pregnancy.

But while we can’t prevent melasma from happening, there are things we can do to stop it from getting worse.

1. Take Your Vitamins

Folic acid is an essential prenatal vitamin for pregnant women because it helps prevent neural tube defects. It can also help reduce your baby’s risk of cleft lip and palate and certain heart defects and can help reduce your risk of preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy).

While skin darkening is not nearly as important as your baby’s brain health, folic acid also has another little-known bonus use — it can help prevent hyperpigmentation.

2. Cover Up

While sun exposure can help you obtain a summer glow, it also has a nasty side effect of making already dark areas of your skin darker. If you already have patches of skin discolored by melasma, exposing them to the sun can make them worse.

To prevent this, keep your skin covered. Long sleeves, pants, and wide-brimmed hats can help keep the sun’s rays off your skin and prevent the melasma patches from getting darker.

3. SPF Is Your Friend

If you’re pregnant during the summer, long sleeves and pants might not be a viable option for covering your skin and preventing melasma from getting worse.

Dermatologists recommend wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily as a part of your skincare routine to prevent skin cancer. It can also prevent chloasma from getting worse.

When choosing a sunscreen, avoid those with oxybenzone. Oxybenzone can cause low birth weight and problems with the baby’s hormone levels, which could lead to developmental problems.

An SPF sunscreen of 30 or more can block out 97 percent of the sun’s UVB rays (6). Apply it to your face every morning along with your other skincare products and to any area of your body that will be exposed to the sun. Take care to reapply every two hours while exposed.

Remember

Are you going to be working up a sweat or out in the sun throughout the day? Bring your sunscreen with you to reapply it every two hours.

4. Say No To Waxing

While hair growth is another common symptom of pregnancy, it doesn’t always occur in the areas we want it to. To not look like an extra in Planet of the Apes, many women seek ways to get rid of it.

But if your extra hair growth has you heading to the waxing salon, you might want to reconsider.

While waxing is safe for both mom and baby during pregnancy, it can also cause skin inflammation, which can make hyperpigmentation worse.

5. Choose Your Skin Care Wisely

While your favorite lotion might have a scent that reminds you of rainbows and butterflies, if you’re suffering from melasma during pregnancy, chemical-free and fragrance-free soaps and skincare products are the way to go. The fewer chemicals in your products, the less likely they are to react negatively to the sun on your skin. And since your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy, this will also help prevent other problems such as breakouts.

You may be tempted to try products with hydroquinone or retinol to lighten up those dark spots, but those are not safe during pregnancy. Using these products is safe only after pregnancy and after you are done breastfeeding (7).

9 Remedies That May Help

The best thing to do if you are suffering from melasma is to try to prevent it. But if you’re looking for a way to help get rid of hyperpigmentation that has already popped up on your skin, there are some remedies that may help.

Many of these remedies can be harsh on sensitive skin due to the acids they contain.

Before applying them to large areas, make sure to test them on a small section of skin first to ensure you won’t have a reaction.

  1. Exfoliate: Exfoliating once a week can remove dead skin cells, which are often darker than the healthy skin cells underneath. It also may help increase the penetration of the other remedies you may try.
  2. Potato: Cut a potato in half and rub the juice into melasma spots to help lighten the skin. Do this daily for the best results.
  3. Aloe: Pure aloe vera gel, whether bottled or straight from the plant, can help lighten dark spots. Apply the gel directly to areas of hyperpigmentation, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then gently wipe it off with warm water. For best results, repeat this process daily.
  4. Yogurt: Yogurt contains lactic acid, which has bleaching properties that can help even out melasma spots. Apply plain Greek yogurt to your face like a mask, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse off gently with warm water.
  5. Onion: Onions contain many sulfur compounds called sulfoxides, which can help lighten dark spots left by hyperpigmentation. To use this method, quarter an onion and place it in a blender. Once it’s blended, squeeze out the juice, and rub the juice directly onto clean skin. Allow the juice to dry for 15 minutes, and rinse off with warm water. Use daily for best results.
  6. Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid that can help lighten your skin. Dilute the ACV with an equal amount of water, and apply it directly to problem areas.
  7. Milk, honey, and dried orange peel: Orange peels contain calcium and vitamin C and can help whiten dark spots on your skin. Process orange peels in a blender, then mix with milk and honey to form a paste. Use this as a mask to help lighten dark spots while also nourishing and pampering your skin.
  8. Tomato and oatmeal: Tomato juice can help lighten areas of hyperpigmentation because it contains vitamin A, and oatmeal can help exfoliate and remove dead skin cells that are darker than the healthy skin underneath. Mix these two to form a paste, and apply it like a mask. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then rub it into your face to scrub. Rinse off with warm water. You can also add milk or yogurt to this mask to give it more nourishing properties.
  9. Lemon: The citric acid in lemon juice has bleaching properties that can help make dark spots disappear. Cut a lemon in half, and rub the juice directly onto the affected area. Leave it on for 20 minutes for the best results.

Will It Go Away After Pregnancy?

Are you losing sleep at night wondering if these dark spots will remain on your skin forever? The good news is most women will see dark spots fade as their hormone levels go down after their baby is born.

Beware, though, because one in ten moms will find this condition worsens when taking hormonal contraceptives after giving birth (8). So, if you suffered melasma during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about what birth control will help you prevent this from occurring.

The Bottom Line

Hyperpigmentation is the last thing you want to deal with when pregnancy has already put things like nausea and heartburn on your plate. We get it!

While there is nothing we can do to stop skin darkening completely, with the tips and tricks listed in this article, you can help keep it to a minimum and help lighten any hyperpigmentation that has already occurred.

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Darkening of the skin during pregnancy: myths, causes, treatments

Darkening of the skin during pregnancy:
myths, causes, treatments

One of our pregnant women friends was shocked when she suddenly noticed dark spots on her skin! Well, despite all the hype about the famous pregnancy glow, she's not expected to see this.

If you are pregnant and encounter the same problem, you should know that this condition is usually caused by fluctuations in hormone levels. Fortunately, it can be treated with safe options and natural remedies. We'll tell you why prevention is half the cure in this case.

Bleaching rate

Melasma, also known as like chloasma gravidarum, quite common during pregnancy. it can occur in 50.8% of pregnant women according to a study conducted in India. It is also referred to as the pregnancy mask in informal terms. Melasma can also recur with a second or more pregnancies.

Although there is no single causes of melasma, there may be several causes of it occurrence. One of them is higher levels of hormones, which produced during pregnancy. These include estrogen, progesterone and those that increase the production of melanin.

Melasma is a condition in which cells known as melanocytes (cells that produce melanin) activated by hormones. The amount of melanin produced increases which makes the skin darker. It is the pigment that gives color to our skin, eyes and hair. Melasma may be due to hereditary causes. If your mother or aunt had melasma, you are more likely to get it.

If you have had or hyperthyroidism remains, you may develop melasma.

If you are exposed to exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun for long hours, you will also you can get this state.

Start of discoloration

In most cases skin discoloration due to melasma appears in the first and second trimesters pregnancy. However, it can start at any time during pregnancy. Timely precautions can avoid excessive darkening.

Note: Single a symptom that indicates melasma is darkening of the skin during pregnancy. If your dark spots show other symptoms such as itching, tenderness or pain when touched, you should see a dermatologist.

Darkening areas

Melasma usually occurs around the upper lip, on the chin, forehead and around the nose symmetrically. it appears as spots of brown or gray-brown skin, like a mask. It may occur even in places where the skin rubs against each other - armpits and inner thigh surface.

These stains can also appear along the jaw line and on the hands - in places exposed to sunlight. Already pigmented areas of your skin - scars, freckles, the nipples and genital area may even become darker than normal during pregnancy.

Did you know?

  • Melasma occurs in all skin types, but is more common in women with darker skin.
  • Women, who come from North Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, India and other parts of Asia and the Mediterranean are more likely to suffer from melasma than their European Caucasian counterparts.
  • Recent studies show that melasma can be chronic and last for many years in most patients.
  • Yours the skin is exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, even if you sit near a window or in a car.
  • Melasma can even be caused by hormone replacement therapy or taking contraceptive pills.

Treatment Options

1. Search professional methods

Chemical treatment substances are not considered safe during pregnancy and lactation. Your dermatologist may prescribe a topical ointment containing azelaic acid, or a chemical peel containing glycolic acid, which is considered safe.

2. Apply high SPF sunscreen

sunscreen even when you are indoors. Choose a product with higher SPF, 30-50 or more. Look for ingredients that are safe for pregnant women, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are usually present in physical sunscreens. The product must be wide spectrum - protection from UVA and UVB rays.

3. Try natural remedies

There are several natural ingredients you can use to lighten patches of darkened skin caused by melasma. Some of them may be used on their own, while others must be mixed in order to form a mask with various ingredients. All this is absolutely safe for use during pregnancy.

A. Lemon juice astringent properties as it is acidic in nature and naturally brightens the skin. Squeeze the juice from the lemons, dilute with a little water and apply to pigmented areas. Wash off after a while.

B. Turmeric

milk and turmeric. The curcumin present in turmeric can lighten pigmented areas. Turmeric can also be mixed with rose water, coconut milk and lemon juice to make a brightening mask.

C. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is mild and an effective way to lighten the skin. All you have to do is cut stem and extract the gel from the plant and directly apply it to the browning. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.

D. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is An excellent natural exfoliator. Apply an oatmeal mask mixed with honey and milk. Leave until completely dry and then rinse off. Removes dark brown spots and dead cells for a healthier looking skin bright.

E. Onion juice

In onion juice compounds that contain sulfur are present, which may aid in the removal darkened skin. They also provide food. Make a mixture of onion juice and organic apple cider vinegar and apply to the affected area.

F. Almond

Whether eaten or applied to the skin, almonds are very beneficial for skin health. It contains proteins and vitamin E, which can reduce the signs of melasma. Make a paste out of almonds, milk and honey and apply as a face mask. Wash off after drying.

Cucumber

amount of water and ideal for lightening pigmentation. It may moisturize the skin, brightening dark areas.

H. Sandalwood

Sandalwood effective for lightening skin that has darkened due to melasma during pregnancy. You can use it in powder or oil form. mix bag with sandalwood powder and water for application. The mixture cools skin, reduces acne and irritation.

I. Papaya

Enzyme present in papaya, known as papain, can act as a natural exfoliator. Brightens skin and removes dead skin cells for a brighter complexion and brighter.

D. Potato

Potato contains azelaic acid, which is known to help reduce pigmentation, caused during pregnancy. All you have to do is grate potatoes and apply the raw juice to the darkened areas. Rinse after dry warm water.

K use to reduce skin darkening due to pregnancy. Soy contains fatty acids, isoflavones, and trypsin blockers, which may help reduce darkening. Mix soy milk with tomato pulp and lemon juice. Apply to darkened areas, rinse when dry.

L. Orange peel

Studies show that orange peel powder can be used to lighten skin. mix dried orange peel powder with honey and milk. Apply to darkened areas and rinse when dry.

M. Curd / Yoghurt

acids such as lactic acid, citric acid and glycolic acid, which can help reduce pigmentation in the skin. Make a mask with cottage cheese honey and oatmeal powder and apply to darkened areas. Wash off when dry.

Prophylactic options

1. Stay away from sun

If you are pregnant or already had melasma, which is now absent due to treatment, it is extremely important avoid the sun. This is because the state may return due to exposure UV rays. Wear a hat, sunglasses and a scarf to cover your face and neck when you are outside during the day.

2. Do not use wax

on the hands or face, such as the area above the upper lip, this may cause irritation and inflammation. If you already have melasma, waxing may worsen the condition.

3. Do not bleach

bleach during pregnancy. If you absolutely need to cover dark areas, you can only use concealer in those areas.

cosmetic products without chemicals

skin due to melasma, choose hypoallergenic or chemical products. it includes your cleansers and moisturizers. chemicals in non-hypoallergenic products can irritate the skin and worsen the condition.

5. Maintain healthy care

To prevent darkening during pregnancy, maintain the cleansing procedure, toning and moisturizing, which also includes the use of sunscreen. Even if you are mostly indoors, apply sunscreen. If you go outside, use it more often.

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Changes in the skin during pregnancy - St. Petersburg State Healthcare Institution "Dermatovenerological Dispensary No. 4"

During pregnancy, the female body is constantly changing.

What physiological skin changes occur during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, under the influence of hormones, the skin around the nipples, in the genital area becomes darker and a dark line (Linea nigra) appears in the middle of the abdomen.

During the period of intrauterine development of the fetus, due to the tension of the skin, purple and pink stripes (lines), the so-called striae, may appear.

Some women develop pigment spots on their face (melasma).

Could these phenomena be temporary? Can they be treated?

Some physiological phenomena may resolve spontaneously after delivery (such as pigmentation around the nipples and a dark line on the abdomen). Others persist, although not so pronounced, for a long time (styria). Age spots can be eliminated with special whitening creams. Unfortunately, creams against the appearance of stretch marks practically do not work. There are various techniques that reduce optically visible stretch marks that can be used after childbirth (laser resurfacing, mesotherapy procedures, plasma lifting procedures).

During pregnancy, there may be some diseases that are observed only in this physiological state of the woman and usually resolve after childbirth.

polymorphic dermatitis of pregnancy.

This pruritic dermatosis develops according to various sources in 1 out of 300 pregnant women.

The rash usually begins with striae in the abdomen and may spread to other parts of the body.

This condition is not harmful to the fetus and usually resolves completely within 6 weeks postpartum.

It is extremely rare for this dermatitis to develop after the baby is born, but it resolves completely after 6 weeks.

Bullous pemphigoid of pregnancy - BPB (pregnancy herpes) - a rare autoimmune disease with the formation of blisters on the skin, observed during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. In some sources, this disease is usually described under the term "pregnancy herpes", although it has nothing to do with herpes infection. As a rule, it begins with the appearance of small bubbles in the navel area with further spread to other parts of the body.

There is no evidence for the development of a serious risk for the newborn, although skin lesions in newborns in the form of a transient urticarial and vesicular rash are noted in 5-10%, which spontaneously disappears within 3 weeks.

These diseases are successfully treated. The doctor selects therapy according to the standards and prescribes drugs with minimal risk to the mother and fetus.

There is also diffuse hair loss during and after pregnancy - Telogen effluvium (telogen effluvium), which usually lasts from 3 to 12 months after childbirth and resolves on its own without any treatment.

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