Tackling Skin Changes or Chloasma

During pregnancy you may see a variety of changes in your skin. A common skin discolouration is the Mask of Pregnancy, also called chloasma. In chloasma, your face may develop dark or blotchy patches. However, they can also appear on other parts of your body. If you find skin pigmentation along with pain, tenderness, redness or bleeding, contact your doctor. Also, keep her informed if the colour, shape or size of a mole changes. This problem normally reduces or disappears after delivery. Dark skinned women are more prone to skin discolouration than fair skinned ones.

Types of Skin Changes

Some types of skin changes during pregnancy are:

• Acne and pimples due to hormonal changes
• Enlargement of the veins just below the skin because of increased blood volume and pregnancy hormones. These are called Spider veins.
• A dark vertical line called the Linea Nigra on your abdomen
• Development of stretch marks
• Darkening of the skin
• Heat rashes because of overheating of the body and skin rubbing against your clothes
• Reddish palms and soles
• Skin tags on your breasts where they make contacts with your skin
• Inflammation or blisters in the skin between the thighs or under the breasts called chafing because of increased weight gain

Causes

Some causes of skin changes are:

• Significant increase in the level of the hormone melanin
• Inadequate amount of folic acid, Vitamin C or Vitamin E in your diet
• External weather conditions such as exposure to the sun

Prevention

Some ways to prevent or minimise skin changes are:

• Increase the amount of folic acid and prenatal vitamins in your diet.
• Avoid being exposed to the sun for long time intervals.
• Do not scratch the itchy areas which will only make it worse.
• Use sunscreens, face cleansers, lotions and creams approved by your doctors.
• Avoid tight fitting clothes.
• Avoid hot water baths.

Treatment

You can try the following tips to relieve yourself of skin changes:

• Maintain a healthy diet enriched in Vitamin E, Vitamin C and folic acid.
• A cold water bath may provide you some relief.
• Apply a sunscreen lotion with a SPF factor of 30 or higher to protect you against both UVA and UVB rays. Ask your doctor to recommend one for you.
• You can try wearing full length clothes that cover your entire body.
• Use facial creams and cleansers even when you are not exposed to the sun after discussing with your doctor.
• Apply moisturisers approved by your doctor to soothe your dry skin.
• Wear loose clothes that you are comfortable in.