Why do women often develop pigmentation after pregnancy?
It is common to develop pigmentation, also called melasma. Melasma is a hyperpigmentation condition that causes dark spots around on face, nipples, and under the eyes.
Melasma, or dark spots on the face, neck, and arms, can occur in pregnant women. They’re not harmful, but they can be frustrating to deal with. You can manage this common skin issue by changing birth control methods, taking appropriate sun protection, and using various prescribed medicines.
Let us acknowledge what skin pigmentation is and why it is important to look after it.
What is skin pigmentation?
Skin pigmentation refers to the color of skin, hair, and eyes, which is determined by the amount of melanin in the body. Even though it is harmless, it still poses certain effects on the skin and health. During pregnancy, a certain type of hyperpigmentation skin disorder occurs, which is called melasma.
Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation that causes dark patches on the skin, usually on the face. It can be caused by hormonal and vascular changes and sun exposure. It is normal to occur in pregnant women, but if it does not go even after the postpartum period, then it must be consulted with a dermatologist.
What are the causes of pigmentation among pregnant women?
There are many common causes of pigmentation; pay attention and avoid them:
- Sun Exposure: Excessive direct contact with UV (ultraviolet) rays can cause pigmentation. As the sunlight gets harsh during the summer, the skin, if exposed to the sun, is likely to make more melanin.
- Hormonal changes: During pregnancy, levels of estrogen, progesterone, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) increase, which can stimulate melanin production.
- Skin tone: Women with darker skin tones are more likely to develop skin disorders like melasma.
- Certain prescription drugs: Certain drugs, including a few antibiotics and over-the-counter pain relievers (NSAIDS), might cause skin disorders like melasma by increasing your sensitivity to sunlight.
Types of pigmentation among pregnant women.
There are several types of skin pigmentation disorders, and many of them can be seen among pregnant women. These disorders affect the color of the skin and can be caused by damaged or unhealthy melanocytes.
Hyperpigmentation: A common skin condition that causes pigmentation on the face and some areas of the skin to appear darker than others. It’s caused by an increase in melanin.
A type of hyperpigmentation is melasma, which is more likely to occur in pregnant women. Melasma is characterized by:
- Irregular, light-to-dark brown patches or macules
- A butterfly-shaped pattern
- A tendency to appear on the cheeks, nose, forehead, upper lip, nipples, under the eyes and chin
Hypopigmentation: A condition where patches of skin appear lighter than others, caused by the body not producing enough melanin.
Skin discoloration: Skin can change color due to illness, injury, or skin rashes and infections. Eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, Rosacea, Tinea versicolor, and Ringworm are some of the infections that can cause discoloration.
What if melasma is left untreated?
After giving birth, any dark spots you may have had throughout pregnancy normally go away when your hormone levels stabilize and your body stops making as much pigment. But if it does not fade after postpartum, then you should consult a doctor and try generally available and home remedies because skin pigmentations and melasma-like skin disorders pose a risk of converting into skin cancer, thyroid, and other chronic diseases.
Treatments for skin pigmentation.
- Minimal exposure to the sun: Avoiding exposure to the sun can be beneficial for treating pigmentation and melasma.
- Wear sunscreen: It is important to wear sunscreen while going out.
- Sun protective clothing: Cover your skin fully before going out and wear sun patches and other clothing to protect your skin from the sun.
- Use gentle skin care products: Avoid harsh products and make sure to use products that contain SPF. Consult your doctor before using any products.
- Have lemon juice: Lemon juice works as a natural skin cleanser, so make sure to drink more of it.
- Oatmeal and honey: It is also healthy for the skin, so have oatmeal and honey often.
Conclusion
Skin pigmentation is common in pregnant women. Pregnant women have increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones contribute to melasma. The darker color usually fades after pregnancy. Usually, it is not considered to be dangerous, but if it does not fade even after the child is born, then it should be consulted by a doctor, as the skin disorder can later be converted into chronic diseases like skin cancer and thyroid. Sun protection, wearing covered clothes, and sunscreen are important. You can try treatment options like medications or supplements with a proper prescription from expert doctors. And lastly, do not stress about your appearance; everyone is beautiful regardless.
This content is general information and we recommend you to consult your doctor properly and take medical prescriptions before using any kind of medicines or other medical products.
FAQs
Q1: Why do I get pigmentation after pregnancy?
Ans. Skin pigmentation, namely melasma, occurs due to the increased level of estrogen and progesterone hormones in your body.
Q2: Does hyperpigmentation from pregnancy go away?
Ans. Yes, hyperpigmentation and melasma usually go away on their own after delivery, but it is important to take necessary steps like avoiding sun exposure and wearing sunscreen.
Q3: Does breastfeeding cause melasma?
Ans. Yes, women who breastfeed their babies are more likely to be affected by melasma.
