Chloasma, also called a gravidic cloasma or simply melasma, corresponds to the dark spots that appear on the skin during pregnancy, especially on the forehead, upper lip and nose.
The onset of chloasma is mainly related to hormonal changes typical of pregnancy, but its appearance can also be favored by exposing the skin to the sun without adequate protection, for example.
- The chloroasma gravidarum usually disappears within a few months of delivery without any treatment.
- However the dermatologist may recommend the use of certain creams during and after pregnancy to prevent the onset of chloasma.
- Mitigate or promote its disappearance more quickly.
Caloasma gravidarum is a typical change in pregnancy and occurs mainly due to hormonal changes that occur during this period, such as an increase in the concentration of circulating estrogen in the blood.
Estrogen is able to stimulate the stimulant melanocytic hormone, which acts directly on melanin-producing cells, causing spots, including the nigra line, which is a dark line that can appear in the pregnant woman’s uterus. Learn more about the black line.
These stains are most evident in women who are regularly exposed to the sun without adequate protection, such as caps, hats or visors, sunglasses and sunscreen, mainly because sun rays can also stimulate the production of this hormone. and therefore also favor the appearance of chloasma.
Although more common in pregnant women, chloasma can also occur in women who use contraceptives, as they are subject to hormonal changes due to the pill, and may also be influenced by genetic and racial characteristics and the use of medications and cosmetics, for example.
The gravid chloasma appears between the first and second trimesters of pregnancy and can be identified as a dark spot with irregular edges and pigmentation that appears most often on the forehead, cheeks, nose and upper lip.
In some women, spots tend to become more obvious when exposed to the sun, which can also darken them.
Although the chloroasma gravidarum disappears naturally within a few months of delivery, it is recommended that the woman be accompanied by a dermatologist, as the doctor may tell her ways to reduce the risk of developing chloasma and remove stains. Thus, as chloasma may be influenced by sun exposure, the dermatologist’s recommendation is the daily use of sunscreen.
After delivery, if there is no improvement in chloasma, the dermatologist may recommend the use of certain bleaching creams or cosmetic procedures to help reduce imperfections, and peeling or laser treatment may be indicated, for example. Discover other ways to remove pregnancy stains.