Linea Nigra, Not pregnant: Causes And How To Get Rid Of It

Dark Line On Stomach, Not Pregnant: Causes And How To Get Rid Of It

Image: ShutterStock

Linea nigra refers to the dark vertical line that usually appears on the abdomen during pregnancy. Although it is associated with pregnancy, some women may experience linea nigra without pregnancy (1). Environmental factors and certain hormonal changes may usually be responsible for linea nigra in non-pregnant women.

The linea nigra, a physiologic dermatoses of pregnancy, usually goes across the abdomen, passing through the belly button towards the lower abdomen (2). The common cause of it during pregnancy is the melanocyte-stimulating hormone, causing linear melanin deposits. Read this post to know the various causes of linea nigra with and without pregnancy.

In This Article

How Does A Linea Nigra Look Like?

The clinical features of linea nigra are (2) (3):

Typically it measures around a centimeter in width and is a vertical line from your belly button to your pubic bone.
Width of the linea nigra may increase during pregnancy.
Can also extend up to the upper abdomen.
Prominence and discoloration may vary depending on your skin tone.
Dark color of the line can vary from brown to grayish-black.
Linea nigra is different from melasma, also known as chloasma (mask of pregnancy), a skin condition with dark patches on the face. The origin of melasma is also due to hormonal variations, and patches may stay for long or disappear after pregnancy.

Trivia

While the exact reason for the occurrence of linea nigra is unknown, it is believed that the dark color of the line helps the newborn find its way to the breasts (4).

Can You Have Linea Nigra Without Pregnancy?

The linea nigra can appear in a non-pregnant woman due to hyperpigmentation. According to the Journal Of The National Medical Association, linea nigra may be found in 75% of women during pregnancy (5). It also reports that 8% of non-pregnant women may have the dark line. The study also finds the involvement of certain co-factors to manifest the dark line.

The appearance of linea nigra is most often an aesthetic issue, and its appearance does not raise any concern. The dark line can appear in male and female populations at any age (5).

If the dark line is bothering you, consult your physician to understand any clinical relevance. Your dermatologist may suggest some laboratory tests to understand any underlying health issues.

Dr. Kimberly Langdon, a US-based obstetrician/gynecologist, says, “Hormonal imbalances, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), cushing's diseaseⁱXA hormonal disorder caused due to the increased levels of cortisol in the body , and addison's diseaseⁱXA chronic disease characterized by a lack of cortisol and aldosterone , can cause hyperpigmentation. These pathologies increase melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), which causes excessive melanin formation and is the same hormone that causes the pregnancy line to form. As a result, even if you are not pregnant, you can develop linea nigra.”

Some causes of linea nigra in non-pregnant women are (3) (4) (6) (7):

Age: Hormonal changes during puberty and menopause may contribute to skin darkening and linea nigra. Hormones, such as estrogenⁱXA female sex hormone responsible for the development of the female reproductive system and sex characteristics , accelerate melanin production.
Sun exposure: Prolonged sun exposure without protection from sunscreen or clothing might cause hyperpigmentation.

Prolonged sun exposure might cause hyperpigmentation

Image: Shutterstock

Hormonal birth control: Birth control pills containing estrogen can trigger melanin pigmentation and cause linea nigra.

Pseudocyesis: False pregnancy (pseudocyesis) can also cause linea nigra.
Addison’s disease: Abnormality in the adrenal gland can trigger an increase in the melanin levels in the body. This may also cause a linea nigra and darkening of the skin in the belly region.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)ⁱXA hormonal disorder in which the body produces abnormal amounts of androgens : PCOS is a hormonal disorder accompanied by enlarged ovaries. It is associated with elevated androgen levels (male hormone), which causes skin darkening.

Quick fact

Linea nigra is more commonly seen in Asians, Africans, and Hispanics (2).

When Does Linea Nigra Appear During Pregnancy?

Linea Nigra fades into a lighter shade after childbirth

Image: Shutterstock

The dark line appears in response to the hormonal changes during pregnancy. Following are the clinical features of linea nigra (3):

The line usually appears in the second trimester; however, it can appear anytime during the pregnancy.
The line may naturally fade into a lighter shade after childbirth and become indistinguishable at times. In some cases, the line may stay for longer.
The line can reappear in subsequent pregnancies.

Quick fact

Linea nigra is often associated with hyperpigmentation of nipples, aerolas, and genitals (3).

How To Get Rid Of Linea Nigra Naturally?

Some natural remedies may help improve dermatological issues of pregnancy, such as skin darkening (3) (8) (9):

Cocoa butter is widely used for aesthetic purposes. It moisturizes the skin and keeps it tender. It also helps reduce stretch marks and linea nigra.

Cocoa butter reduces stretch marks and linea nigra

Image: IStock

Coconut oil helps moisturize the skin and ease the linea nigra and stretch marks on the body.
Vitamin-E oil can be applied to darkened skin or stretch marks. Regular application can help improve skin conditions.
Lemon juice has skin healing properties and may help lighten the dark line on your belly.

Lemon juice, when rubbed on the belly, may lighten the dark line

Image: IStock

The deficiency of some nutrients such as folic acid might be causing skin darkening. Improving lifestyle and nutritious diet may help gain healthier skin. Food such as green vegetables and cereals are a good source of folic acid.
Nutgrass (Cyperus rotundus) extracts help improve linea nigra.

The linea nigra is a linear melanization over the belly that typically appears during pregnancy. However, some women may observe a linea nigra without pregnancy due to hyperpigmentation. In some non-pregnant women, linea nigra may appear due to underlying health issues, such as hormonal changes and PCOS. The appearance of linea nigra is mostly a cosmetic issue and not a cause for concern. Generally, eating a healthy diet and trying natural remedies may help lighten the dark line. However, if you are worried about pigmentation, discuss your concerns with your doctor, who specializes in dermatology.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How common is linea nigra?

More than 90% of pregnant women develop linea nigra during pregnancy. According to a study, approximately 16% of non-pregnant women can get linea nigra. It has also been seen in older men and children during their early teen years (3).

2. Can linea nigra appear before the missed period?

Linea nigra can appear in the early weeks of pregnancy. However, missed periods are one of the prominent signs of pregnancy. Some women may have linea nigra for reasons other than pregnancy, which can appear before a missed period. You may look for the accompanying symptoms and visit a doctor if there is any concern.

3. Is it normal to have a crooked linea nigra?

In most women, linea nigra can be crooked or squiggly, and it is not always a straight midline. The line may vary according to the pigmentation. However, a crooked linea nigra is not a cause of concern.

4. Does everyone get a pregnancy line?

Dr. Langdon says, “Not all pregnant women get linea nigra. Pregnancy hyperpigmentation is a normal physiological process that results in the formation of linea nigra, which is more common in women with darker skin. Women with lighter skin pigmentation have fewer melanin receptors, which means they have less pigmentation. As a result, these women may not have linea nigra, or it may be less prominent during her pregnancy.”

Infographic: Getting Rid Of Linea Nigra Without Pregnancy

The dark line across the belly is typical for most women during pregnancy. But sometimes, this appears even without pregnancy, and you wonder why. So before you panic, take a look at this infographic to understand the common reasons behind it and explore the ways to fade it out with home remedies.

causes and home remedies for linea nigra without pregnancy (infographic)

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Key Pointers

Linea nigra is a vertical dark line seen during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
Non-pregnant individuals may experience it due to PCOS, sun exposure, or adrenal gland abnormality.
Home remedies such as coconut oil, lemon juice, and nutgrass may help you cope with it.

linea nigra without pregnancy_illustration

Image: Dalle E/MomJunction Design Team

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References

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