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Hyperpigmentation in Pregnancy

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Hyperpigmentation in Pregnancy, Linea Nigra

  • See Also
  1. Skin Conditions of Pregnancy
  2. Melasma
  • Epidemiology
  1. Most common skin change in pregnancy
  • Physiology
  1. Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone rises in early pregnancy
  2. Results in increased Melanin deposition
  1. Scarred areas, Freckles and nevi darken
  2. Pigmented areas become more pigmented in first trimester
    1. Areola
    2. Axilla
    3. External genitalia
    4. Anal region
    5. Linea Nigra
  • Signs
  • Specific
  1. Melasma or Chloasma (Mask of pregnancy)
    1. Dark areas under eyes and bridge nose
  2. Linea Nigra
    1. Dark, hyperpigmented vertical linear mark in the midline over the Abdomen
    2. Develops in second trimester and resolves within months of delivery
  • Precautions
  1. Biopsy abnormal nevi concerning for malignancy
  • References
  1. Erlandson (2023) Am Fam Physician 107(2): 152-8 [PubMed]