PSYCHO-SOCIAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH MELASMA (MASK OF PREGNANCY)

Abstract

The skin is an organ with great visibility and exterior recognition: its changes can provoke a significant psychological impact. Considering the changes which occur during pregnancy and the importance of the planning of strategic and preventive actions, this study aimed to describe and analyze the repercussions of the mask of pregnancy in the routine of women affected by it. 84 puerperas attended in primary health centers participated. The data was collected by interview and the treatment was based in thematic analysis. The codified responses resulted in five categories: feelings of dissatisfaction; impaired self-image and esthetic dimensions; strategies for hiding the mark; difficulties faced and perception on the concept of normality. The participants’ accounts evidenced psychological suffering; it was ascertained that the skin blemishes are integrated into the women’s lives, and take on an important meaning because they impact on the emotional, relational and financial spheres. This situation requires the practices currently used in attending these women to be reviewed.

Keywords

• Skin
• Melanosis
• Pregnancy
• Nursing