Pigmentation of face of pregnant woman is called ?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

Explanation

Melasma, also known as chloasma or the "mask of pregnancy," is the specific term for hyperpigmentation on the face during pregnancy.
It manifests as irregular brownish patches on the cheeks, forehead, and neck.
This skin change is caused by increased levels of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), estrogen, and progesterone.
It is a common physiological change, affecting up to 90% of pregnant women, and usually fades after delivery.

Option A: Striae gravidarum are stretch marks, which are reddish, depressed streaks caused by the stretching of skin. They typically appear on the abdomen, breasts, and thighs, not as pigmentation on the face.
Option B: Linea alba is the connective tissue line in the middle of the abdomen. During pregnancy, it often darkens due to hormonal changes and is then called the linea nigra. It is not related to facial pigmentation.
Option D: Vascular spiders, or spider angiomas, are small, red, star-shaped vascular lesions that can appear on the face, neck, and arms due to high estrogen levels. They are distinct from the diffuse brownish pigmentation of melasma.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Physiological skin changes during pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses should reassure pregnant patients that melasma is a common and benign physiological change that usually fades significantly after childbirth.
Patient education should include advising the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen and wearing hats to minimize sun exposure, as UV light can worsen the pigmentation.
It is important to differentiate melasma from other skin conditions and to assess the psychosocial impact it may have on the patient, offering support and counseling as needed.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: "pigmentation," "face," and "pregnant woman."
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of the specific terminology for physiological changes during pregnancy.
Review the options provided and associate each term with its correct definition and location.
Recall that 'Striae gravidarum' are stretch marks, 'Linea alba/nigra' is on the abdomen, and 'Vascular spiders' are small red lesions.
Identify 'Melasma' (or chloasma) as the specific term for the 'mask of pregnancy,' which is facial pigmentation.
Select the option that correctly names this condition.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Physiological skin changes during pregnancy
Stem keywords: Pigmentation, face, pregnant woman
Lead-in keywords: is called
Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.

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E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 40-59

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 1290-1292

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