Linea nigra why

Last reviewed June Tunzi, M and Gray, G. Common Skin Conditions During Pregnancy. American Family Physician. January Physiologic changes of pregnancy: A review of the literature. International Journal of Women's Dermatology. October Pregnancy and skin. Journal of Family Medical Primary Care.

Deepi Brar is a longtime health and science editor who has worked with BabyCenter, CVS Pharmacy, Rally Health, and other health teams to produce engaging, accurate content for everyone. Join now to personalize. Photo credit: Thinkstock. What is the linea nigra?

Why does the linea nigra appear? When does the linea nigra appear? Can I avoid getting a pregnancy line on my stomach? When will the linea nigra go away? Will I have a linea nigra in every pregnancy? But you can take steps to minimize melasma, and these may help minimize the linea nigra as well: Use sun protection.

Add your comment Cancel Submit. Close this dialog window Review for. Back to story Comment on this project. Tell us what you think Thanks for adding your feedback. All rights reserved. Close Sign in. The good news is, a linea nigra is not harmful. In fact, the line may fade on its own. The line may reappear from time to time, too. Changes in hormones or medication may increase melanin production. These factors are often beyond your control. Sun exposure causes your skin cells to produce more melanin.

Wearing sunscreen helps protect your skin. Sunscreen use is also important to prevent other skin issues, like skin cancer and sunburns. If the visible line is problematic, you can use makeup to temporarily cover or camouflage the line. A dark, vertical line on your stomach is called a linea nigra. A linea nigra is very common for pregnant people. The increase in hormones causes melanin-producing cells in the skin to produce more pigment. For most people, the line will disappear on its own.

They can help rule out issues that may be contributing to fluctuating hormone levels. Linea nigra — Skin. Braun-Falco's dermatology, 2nd edn. Prevalence of linea nigra in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate carcinoma. Int J Dermatol ; 51 Suppl 1: 41—8. Physiological changes in the skin during pregnancy.

Clin Dermatol ; 35— Journal Hyperpigmentation and melasma. In: Ingber A. Obstetric dermatology: a practical guide. Barry J. Linea nigra. Available at: www. James WD. Cafe au lait spots. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a review of the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment options in skin in colour. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol ; 3: 20— PubMed Central Tallon B. Flagellate erythema.