darkening of skin

i am a 25 yr old indian female. i'v dark patches on my fatches and neck. it startd frm the 4th month of my pregnancy. its has bcom so dark that i feel really embarassed. now my baby is 1 yr old, but the darkness has not yet reduced. i'v done chemical peeling with the help of a dermatologist for more than 10 times, with less improvemnt. my skin has different shades and it keeps me embarrasing all time. so pls pls do help me

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

What you seem to be having are called chloasma of pregnancy. These changes are caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, which stimulate a temporary increase in your body's production of melanin. Women with darker complexions are more prone to this condition than women with lighter skin.

Treatment options include treatment with vitamin C and hydrocortisone, peel with carbon dioxide snow and alexandrite and ND-Yag Q-Switched laser treatment preceded by a hydroquinone-based application.Pls discuss these options with your dermatologist.

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing if you have any additional queries.