- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- pregnancy today articles
- pregnancy today q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
When the Sun Burns
Risks, Prevention and Treatment of Sunburn During Pregnancy
By Lisa A. Goldstein
As pregnancy progresses, the brain releases increasing amounts of a hormone called melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), Dr. Greene says. This hormone stimulates the melanin-producing cells in the body, which results in moles darkening as well as other pigmented parts of the body like nipples and the line from the belly button to the pubic region. "It also makes the melanocytes even more sensitive to the UV stimulation from the sun, causing more rapid skin darkening," Dr. Greene says. "It can also make women have unwanted pigmentation like color to the cheeks often referred to as the 'mask of pregnancy,' also known as melasma. Additionally, since the melanocytes are not necessarily evenly pigmented, it can cause uneven tanning."
According to Dr. Aagaard-Tillery, at least 70 percent of pregnant women experience melasma. "While women can develop or notice their melasma worsening in pregnancy independent of sun exposure, it is generally accepted that sun exposure worsens or accelerates melasma in pregnancy," she says.
Of course, in addition to all of these risks are those of pain, accelerated aging to the skin and potential skin cancer, Dr. Greene says.
Dr. Erin Welch, assistant professor of Dermatology at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, cautions that any mole that is changing color, shape or size during pregnancy deserves an exam by a dermatologist, and possible removal if indicated, rather than dismissing it as just a hormone-related change.
Want to see more?
Comments
There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to 
|
Post As:
|
||
| Enter your comment below: | ||
| Title | ||
| Comment Text | ||
| CAPTCHA | ||
| Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection. | ||
