AskDocDoc
/
/
/
neck black during pregnancy
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 42M : 44S
background image
Click Here
background image
Gynecology & Pregnancy Care
Question #17222
80 days ago
114

neck black during pregnancy - #17222

Dhruv

I am really worried about something that’s been going on with me recently. I’m pregnant and noticed that my neck is turning black. I’ve looked into it and found some stuff about skin changes during pregnancy, but I’m not sure what to think. Like, is this normal? My friends say it could just be hormonal changes, but the darkening on my neck kinda freaks me out. It’s like in patches, not just a little discoloration. I mean, obviously, your body goes through changes when you're pregnant, but neck black during pregnancy is not something I expected. I've had some occasional itching but nothing really major. I talked to my doctor a while back, but they didn't seem too concerned, saying it might just be melasma. Is neck black during pregnancy something that happens to a lot of women? Should I be looking for other signs or symptoms? I’m just a little panicked here, trying to understand if I need to see a specialist or if this is common and harmless. Any advice or experiences would really help!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Skin changes during pregnancy, including darkening or hyperpigmentation, are quite common and usually attributable to hormonal changes. The condition you’re describing sounds like acanthosis nigricans, which is associated with darker, velvety patches that often appear on the neck and other areas. It’s understandable to find these changes concerning, especially if they’re unexpected. In pregnancy, increased levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone can stimulate melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin. This can lead to conditions like melasma or the “mask of pregnancy,” usually affecting the face, but similar mechanisms can cause changes in other skin areas, such as the neck. Acanthosis nigricans can sometimes be linked to insulin resistance, which is why it’s often observed in individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome or even gestational diabetes during pregnancy. So while your doctor suggested melasma, it’s worth considering these possibilities as well. A visit to a dermatologist could provide more clarity, particularly if the patches are growing, becoming itchy, or start changing in a concerning way. They’ll be able to perform a thorough skin examination and might suggest tests to rule out underlying causes. Meanwhile, maintaining good skin hygiene and avoiding excessive sun exposure could help manage these skin changes. Keep moisturized and consider a mild over-the-counter cream if itching becomes more uncomfortable. Should you notice any other symptoms like unintentional weight changes, fatigue, or significant skin changes elsewhere, or should the patches become particularly bothersome, seeking a further medical review would be wise.

16250 answered questions
87% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions