Melasma, dark skin during pregnancy

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Ly Thi Thanh Nha - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec International Hospital Da Nang.
A woman's body during pregnancy goes through many changes both physically and mentally. Part of the reason is due to hormonal changes, while some pregnant women still have normal, healthy skin, others develop melasma, darkening of the skin. This makes many pregnant women anxious and confused.

1. Melasma during pregnancy is normal?

Melasma during pregnancy is a normal and common phenomenon, characterized by darkening of the skin with faint spots. Melasma is sometimes called the mask of pregnancy because of the faint spots that often appear around the lips, nose, cheeks, and forehead of pregnant women. It resembles the shape of a mask. Tanned skin can appear along the jawline or forearms and some other parts of your body that are exposed to the sun.
Besides, some other parts such as nipples, genitals may become darker during pregnancy. The parts that often occur friction such as armpits and thighs will also become darker when you are pregnant.

2. What causes melasma during pregnancy?

The hormonal changes of women during pregnancy stimulate the production of melanin, causing melasma. Melanin is the pigment that determines the color of human skin, hair and eyes.
Dark-skinned women are more prone to melasma than light-skinned women. You are also more likely to get melasma if you have a family member who also has the condition.

3. Brown stripes are related to melasma?

Increased melanin pigment causes melasma on the face, and this is also the cause of brown stripes, pregnant women can see this brown stripe running down the abdomen. Before pregnancy, the white stripe that ran from your belly button to your pubic bone, you might not notice because it's the same color as the rest of your skin.
During pregnancy, melanin pigment increases causing white lines to become brown lines. A few months after giving birth, the brown lines will return to their pre-pregnancy state.

4. How to prevent melasma, dark skin during pregnancy?

All skin changes due to melasma, tanning usually disappear on their own after giving birth. However, to reduce tanning during pregnancy, you can apply some ways that are still safe for the fetus as follows:
Use sunscreen: This is very important because when exposed Directly with ultraviolet rays, your skin is prone to pigmentation, skin pigmentation is changed. Use a sunscreen (against both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of 30 or higher every day even when there's no sun, and should reapply often during the day if you're active outdoors.

Even if you don't plan to spend a lot of time outside or don't leave the house, you should still apply sun protection as a habit, it's best to apply sunscreen in the morning. The American Academy of Dermatology says your skin is exposed to a significant amount of UV light every time you walk down the street, ride in a car, or even sit inside near a window.
When going out, wear a wide-brimmed hat as well as long-sleeved shirts to avoid pigment changes on the arms. Limit time in the sun, especially between 10am and 2pm. Avoid sunbathing or tanning.
Do not wax: When you wax, it can cause skin inflammation, which makes your skin pigmentation worse, especially in the parts that are easily affected by changes in skin pigmentation. . Use non-irritating skin care products: Cleansers and creams that irritate your skin will make your skin pigmentation worse. Use Concealer: If brown spots make you feel insecure, you can use concealer to cover them up. Absolutely do not use bleaching products while you are pregnant.

5. After giving birth, will skin pigmentation be improved?

Melasma, dark skin will usually fade without treatment after you give birth. Dark spots will usually fade within a year of giving birth and your skin will return to its normal skin color, although sometimes it won't go away completely.
For some women, using birth control containing estrogen (birth control pills, vaginal ring) also contributes to melasma. If this change makes you uncomfortable, you can choose another method of birth control.
If your skin is still blotchy a few months after you give birth and it makes you uncomfortable, you can look to your skin health services or dermatologists for options. melasma treatment. Experts may prescribe bleaching creams containing hydroquinone, topical medications containing tretinoin ...
If you are breast-feeding or planning to become pregnant soon, you should talk to a specialist first. Take care of your skin's health before using any treatments. It takes a long time to improve the condition of the skin, if the treatments don't work, the dermatologist can lighten the dark spots with laser but this is not the first choice. .
Under all circumstances, you should continue to protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen daily, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun exposure.

6. Are dark spots on the skin during pregnancy a sign of a medical condition?

A change in skin color can be a symptom of skin cancer or another medical condition. If your skin pigmentation changes along with other symptoms such as pain, redness or bleeding, a change in the size, shape, and color of the mole, you should go to a reputable facility. You should see a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Reference source: Babycenter.com
Master. Doctor. Ly Thi Thanh Nha has worked at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital and Quang Tri Provincial General Hospital before working at Vinmec Danang International General Hospital as it is today.
Doctor Nha has strengths and experience in diagnosing, monitoring and treating pregnancy, pregnancy pathology. Pregnancy screening. Perform caesarean section techniques. Laparoscopic surgery to treat ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy.

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