Pregnancy causes lots of changes in your body, but some of them are more well-known than others. You may have been warned about stretch marks and swollen feet, but changes can happen to your skin, too. Here are five things you need to know about one of these skin changes, melasma.
What is melasma?
Melasma is a skin problem that makes patches of your skin darker, often on your face, forearms, or neck. These dark patches can be either grey-brown or brown, and while they're not painful, they can be distressing.
How does pregnancy cause melasma?
When you're pregnant, your body produces more estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone that helps your baby grow, but it also has less pleasant effects. Your increased estrogen levels also stimulate the production of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. This extra melanin may make your existing freckles look darker, and it can also cause new discoloration to form on your skin, especially in areas that get a lot of sun exposure.
Is melasma dangerous?
Melasma is caused by excess melanin, just like your freckles are, so it's not dangerous. However, other skin conditions can look similar to melasma. For example, it's possible for skin cancer to present as dark patches on your skin. If you notice new patches on your skin, you should get checked by a dermatologist, just in case something is seriously wrong.
Do all pregnant women develop melasma?
According to What to Expect, melasma is experienced by between 50% and 75% of pregnant women. It's so common during pregnancy that it's colloquially called the "mask of pregnancy".
How is melasma treated?
There are many treatments available for melasma. The main treatment is hydroxyquinone, a cream that lightens your skin. Creams that contain 2% hydroxyquinone are available over-the-counter, but your dermatologist may give you a prescription strength (4% hydroxyquinone) cream if your melasma is severe.
Retinoid creams can also be used though they don't work as quickly as hydroxyquinone creams. Creams that contain azelaic acid are also effective treatments for melasma though they may cause skin irritation.
Can you prevent melasma?
Wearing sunscreen during your pregnancy can help prevent melasma. You should also wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for added sun protection.
Melasma is a common problem among pregnant women. If you develop dark patches on your skin during your pregnancy, talk to a dermatologist (such as one from Dermatology Associates) to find out if you have melasma.
