Melasma - Mask of Pregnancy
From WikiParenting
Melasma is commonly known as the mask of pregnancy and is also referred to as chloasma. It is areas of darkened skin that appear during pregnancy. About seventy percent of all pregnant women develop the condition.
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[edit] What does it look like?
The darkened areas of skin appear blotchy and brownish in tone. Melasma can affect the skin on the forehead, upper lip and cheeks; the affected area sometimes resembles a mask, hence the common name. Women that have darker skin tones are more likely to develop melasma.
[edit] Causes
The mask of pregnancy appears when high estrogen levels stimulate melanin production, and exposure to sunlight makes the condition more prominent. Discolored patches of skin may also develop on the forearms and other parts of the body that receive exposure to the sun. Melasma sometimes is more pronounced with each pregnancy.
Melasma may develop on other areas of the skin that are not exposed to sunlight, but are high friction areas - such as the underarms and inner thighs. The hyper pigmentation as a result of stimulated melanin production may also cause your nipples, freckles, scars and skin around your genitalia to appear darker in color as well.
[edit] Will it go away?
Most women find that the areas of darkened skin will fade over time and return to their normal color a few months after delivery. In some women the mask of pregnancy lasts until they stop breastfeeding, and in an unlucky few, it never goes completely away.
[edit] Prevention
To reduce your chances of developing Melasma, always wear sunscreen. Sunlight stimulates melanin production and makes the condition worse. Look for a foundation makeup containing sunscreen that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays.
[edit] More Information
Read more about common discomforts during pregnancy:
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