Facial skin problem that may arise in women during pregnancy - Doctor's advice

What is known

Melasma, sometimes called the "mask of pregnancy," is very common during pregnancy. Hyperpigmentation or dark discoloration of the skin can occur anywhere on the face but often includes spots on the forehead, cheeks, and above the upper lip.

Gynecologist Christina Greves said that sometimes it can be confused with other skin diseases. It is important to remember that only a dermatologist can make a diagnosis using a special device.

The good news is that, apart from discoloration, melasma is not dangerous and does not cause any other symptoms. There is no pain, discomfort, itching, or inflammation. However, you may feel self-conscious.

What causes melasma

Dark spots on the skin are caused by an increase in melanin, which is responsible for providing pigment to your skin.

There are a number of different factors that cause skin to darken, such as hormonal changes, sun exposure, genetics, medications, or other medical conditions such as thyroid problems.

Since it is very common during pregnancy and more common in women than men, hormones are often the trigger. Hormone levels increase during pregnancy, causing higher blood flow and fat production.

Since UV rays are a very common trigger for melasma, sun protection is usually one of the first things to look at.

Can it be prevented

You can reduce the risk of melasma by following three recommendations:

• Protect your face and exposed areas of your body before going out in the sun. Use wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen with SPF for this purpose
• avoid exposure to the sun, especially during its peak hours
• increase the amount of foods rich in antioxidants in your diet. Berries, citrus fruits, as well as asparagus, prunes, chocolate, and green tea contain the largest amount of them.

In addition, melasma is considered a chronic disease, meaning it can return. Another change of medication, pregnancy, or simply enjoying the summer sun can lead to a relapse.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.