Prevent Skin Discoloration During Pregnancy
Skin pigmentation
changes happen to as many as 70% of women during pregnancy. Sometimes this is referred to as "Pregnancy Mask." This is due to the
female hormones estrogen and progesterone and usually disappears
on its own after delivery, but you can do a few things to safely minimize skin
darkening in the meantime:
Protect yourself from the sun! This is
crucial because exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays intensifies pigment
changes. Use a sunblock that protects against both UVA and UVB rays with SPF 30
or higher every day, whether
it's sunny or not. Reapply often during the course of the day especially if
you're outside. In fact, even if you don't plan to leave the house or spend
much time outside, make applying sun protection part of your morning routine.
The American Academy of Dermatology cautions that your skin is exposed to a
significant amount of UV light when you walk down the street, ride in a car, or
even sit inside near a window. When you're outside, cover up and wear a hat
with a brim, as well as a shirt with long sleeves if you have pigmentation
changes on your arms.
What about after
my pregnancy?
After you have
your baby, continue to protect your skin from the sun! Use sunscreen, cover up,
and stay out of the sun at midday. In most cases, the discolorations will
slowly fade without any treatment. For a small number of women, however,
contraceptives that contain estrogen can contribute to darkening. If the skin
changes are bothersome, consider another birth control option. If your skin is still blotchy after a few months
and it's bothering you, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist about treatment
options.
Are these skin
changes ever a sign of illness?
Certain types of
skin discoloration can be a symptom of skin cancer or other medical problems,
so let your doctor know if changes in skin pigmentation are accompanied by
pain, tenderness, redness, or bleeding, or if you notice any changes in the
color, shape, or size of a mole. You may be referred to a dermatologist who can
determine the cause of the changes and the appropriate treatment, if any.
By Brandy
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