Treating Melasma During Pregnancy
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Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure
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The best prevention and treatment of melasma during pregnancy is avoiding exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. Melasma, also known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy, develops when pigmented areas of the skin become darker than surrounding areas. This change in pigmentation can be avoided by remaining indoors as often as possible during pregnancy and by wearing a daily sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater. Avoiding prolonged sun exposure will also help fade existing melasma patches, and reduce the risk of other conditions associated with sun exposure, such as skin cancer and wrinkles.
Consider Laser Therapy
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In severe cases, laser therapy may be an option for treating melasma during pregnancy. Speak with your obstetrician about scheduling a consultation with a dermatologist if you truly require rapid treatment of melasma. However, because melasma is a benign condition with no known health complications, very few doctors are willing to treat the condition during pregnancy. If this is the case, you can speak with a dermatologist during your pregnancy and schedule laser treatment following delivery.
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Remain Patient
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According to the American Academy of Dermatology, melasma fades with time, and almost always disappears completely. Women typically see improvement within months of giving birth, and nearly everyone sees a dramatic improvement in their skin within the first year. After delivery, bleaching creams and other treatments are available for reducing the appearance of melasma. Because the chemicals in these products may affect your unborn child, they are not appropriate treatments for use during pregnancy. Visit a dermatologist for more information regarding treatments suitable for your specific needs.
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