I can understand why it is called that because looks like a mask. If you have one before, you will notice the dark spots covering most of the face.
Pregnancy is not the only factor that causes melasma. Women who take oral contraceptives are likely to have it it.
Melasma does not cause any other danger to your health beyond the cosmetic discoloration.
The problem with treating melasma is that it is more resistant to treatment during pregnancy. This is due to the persistent hormonal trigger that causes this hyperpigmentation. There are several medications available but they are not suitable to use during pregnancy. Very few doctors are willing to treat melasma as it is a benign condition with minimal health risks.
It is not easy to get rid of melasma, but I have learned a few things.
- If you are looking for home remedy to fade melasma, make a mash using ripe bananas. Apply it on the brown spots.
- In severe cases, laser therapy may be an option. However, you must be careful. If treated wrongly, the melasma can become worse.
- Avoid as much sunlight as possible during pregnancy. The sun's ultraviolet rays can trigger your skin to produce excess melanin.
- Sometimes, you don't need to treat melasma as it may be a transient process. When the hormonal trigger is removed after you give birth, your skin may improve.
Melasma is not harmful. It does not have negative bearing on your health. Other than a change in skin color, it is just a matter of vanity.
For some unlucky women, the pregnancy mask doesn't fade immediately after labor. Management of stubborn melasma can be challenging and requires long-term treatment with topical natural lightening creams.
