User:Mr. Ibrahem/Linea nigra
| Mr. Ibrahem/Linea nigra | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Pregnancy line |
 | |
| Linea nigra as seen in a pregnant woman | |
| Specialty | Obstetrics, dermatology |
| Symptoms | 1 cm (0.4 in) wide, brownish to blackish line, from the pubis to the belly button[1] |
| Usual onset | 3rd month or earlier[2] |
| Causes | Unclear[3] |
| Diagnostic method | Based on appearance[1] |
| Differential diagnosis | Café au lait macules, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, flagellate hyperpigmentation[1] |
| Prevention | Sunscreen[4] |
| Treatment | No specific treatment[1] |
| Prognosis | Generally resolves in the year following birth[5] |
| Frequency | >90% of pregnant women[1] |
Linea nigra, also known as the pregnancy line, is a line of increased pigmentation seen on the abdomen during pregnancy.[1] It is typically one centimeter (0.4 in) wide, brownish to blackish, and extends vertically in the midline from the pubis to the belly button.[1] Variably, it may extend to the upper abdomen.[1] In first pregnancies, onset is generally in the 3 month; however, it may appear earlier in subsequent pregnancies.[2] It is associated with darkened patches on the cheek and darkened nipples.[6]
The underlying mechanism is unclear but is believed to involved increased estrogen resulting in increased formation of melanin.[1][3] Diagnosis is based on appearance.[1] No specific treatment is required and it generally fades in the year of childbirth.[1][5] The degree of pigmentation can be lessened by either avoiding sun or using sunscreen on the area.[4][1]
Most pregnant women (>90%) are affected to some degree.[1] Those with darker skin are generally more affected.[1] Up to 30% of people on birth control pills may develop the condition, as may children and males.[1][4] The term is from the Latin for "black line".[6]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Linea nigra". dermnetnz.org. DermNet. Archived from the original on 14 January 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ^ a b Perry, Shannon E.; Hockenberry, Marilyn J.; Lowdermilk, Deitra Leonard; Wilson, David; Alden, Kathryn Rhodes; Cashion, Kitty (9 September 2017). Maternal Child Nursing Care - E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 162. ISBN 978-0-323-47921-9. Archived from the original on 14 January 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ^ a b Tyler, Kelly H. (24 July 2020). Cutaneous Disorders of Pregnancy. Springer Nature. p. 3. ISBN 978-3-030-49285-4. Archived from the original on 15 January 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ^ a b c Blackburn, Susan Tucker (2007). Maternal, Fetal, & Neonatal Physiology: A Clinical Perspective. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 517. ISBN 978-1-4160-2944-1. Archived from the original on 15 January 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ^ a b Bobonich, Margaret; Nolen, Mary; Honaker, Jeremy; DiRuggiero, Douglas (14 May 2021). Dermatology for Advanced Practice Clinicians: A Practical Approach to Diagnosis and Management. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. PT1412. ISBN 978-1-9751-4837-9. Archived from the original on 14 January 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ^ a b The Science of Pregnancy: The Complete Illustrated Guide From Conception to Birth. Penguin. 29 October 2019. p. 138. ISBN 978-1-4654-9921-9. Archived from the original on 15 January 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2024.