Your pregnancy: Melasma

Many people speak of the pregnancy glow, but for several mothers-to-be, pregnancy comes with blotchy, brown spots on the face, usually on the cheeks, the forehead and on the nose.

Called the ‘mask of pregnancy’, melasma can fade on its own after childbirth.

Melasma always becomes worse with sun exposure, Dermatologist Dr Neil Persadsingh said.

It is a condition triggered by the sun, birth control pills and female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Other triggers include genetic factors.

Melasma also seems to be more common in people of lighter complexions.

The only symptom of melasma is change in skin colour, which can cause distress for the pregnant woman.

The dark patches usually match on both sides of the face.

For treatment, the dermatologist will examine the face with a Wood’s lamp to help guide treatment.

Treatment may include prescription creams or chemical peels.

Melasma often fades when the pregnancy ends but the problem may come back in future pregnancies.