In this article:
Can Hormones Cause Darkening of Lips?
Darkening of lips is caused by hormonal imbalances, as Dr Gade explained. There is an increased level of both oestrogen and progesterone in a pregnant woman's body, and this can lead to an overproduction of melanin, which is produced by the melanocyte cells responsible for giving the skin its colour. This causes hyperpigmentation on various parts of the body, including the lips.It does not affect the lips alone. The same hormonal effect causes various other pigmentation changes in women who are pregnant. This means that the hormonal changes that cause the lip darkening could cause changes elsewhere depending on which part of the skin is more receptive to the hormones.
The melanocytes are found all over the skin, and there can be variation in response levels from different regions. Certain areas like the lips, nipples, and midline of the abdomen respond more than other areas.
What Is the Relationship Between Melasma and Lip Pigmentation?
According to Dr Gade, melasma, which is referred to as the "mask of pregnancy," is yet another condition that leads to lip pigmentation and facial pigmentation. Melasma commonly presents itself as patches of dark skin around the forehead, cheeks, nose, and upper lip area.In some cases, darkening of the lips might be associated with melasma as well. Understanding the connection between melasma and lip pigmentation helps explain why more than one area is often affected at once.
What Is the Role of Sun Exposure?
“Sun exposure worsens this and makes it very noticeable, so it makes sense to be cautious about the skin in pregnancy. “Dr Maya Gade, Consultant, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
UV rays help in the production of melanin, and pigmentation around the lips associated with melasma will definitely worsen with further sun exposure. It is for this reason that protecting oneself from the sun becomes very important after this type of pigmentation occurs.
Application of pregnancy-safe sunscreen, besides avoiding excessive sun exposure, plays an important part in preventing further darkening of pigmentation. Application of pregnancy-safe and broad-spectrum sunscreen on a regular basis, even around the lips with SPF lip balm, is indeed a good practice.
Will Lip Pigmentation Fade Post-Delivery?
It is likely to resolve naturally after the baby is delivered and the hormones stabilise. This is great news for all those women worried about an alteration in their appearance. Some women may continue to see darkening for longer periods of time; however, every individual case is unique.Protection from sun exposure continues to play an important role in the natural fading process, as exposure to UV light is known to cause a delay in the resolution of pigmentation. It is also important to be patient, as it may take some time for the hormonal changes to stabilise after delivery.
When Do You Need to Consult a Doctor?
If you have any of the following, consult a dermatologist or an obstetrician:- If there is an unexpected sudden colour change instead of a gradual change
- If the discolouration appears patchy in a way that is not characteristic of melasma
- If there is pain or sores that appear together with the discolouration
- If the discolouration continues to get worse instead of becoming stabilised
- If anything unusual happens with the lips instead of the usual pregnancy-related discolouration
Discolouration of the lips caused by pregnancy might come as a surprise to many, but knowing that this condition is related to hormonal changes and melasma makes it a lot easier to understand. Sun protection, being patient until the discolouration fades away, and visiting specialists in case there is something unusual are the most useful measures to take in this situation.
Every woman's skin responds a little differently to pregnancy hormones, so comparing one experience to another rarely offers much useful guidance. Paying attention to a personal pattern, and knowing when that pattern shifts into something worth checking, tends to be the more reliable approach.
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FAQs on Dark Lips in Pregnancy: The Hormone and Melasma Connection
- Is it always the case that melasma is accompanied by dark spots on the lips?
No, it may occur either on its own or together with other facial areas, as part of a broader melasma. Both of them are regarded as normal conditions during pregnancy. - Can pigmentation be linked to any genes?
Yes, women who are genetically predisposed to melasma and pigmentation and have higher levels of melanin in their skin will be more likely to suffer from this condition. - Is it possible to visit a dermatologist during pregnancy?
A dermatologist can diagnose pregnancy-associated pigmentation and recommend sun care for pregnant women.