Skin Conditions During Pregnancy

Skin Conditions During Pregnancy – What type of skin problems can develop during pregnancy?

Pregnancy affects many parts of the human body. One part is the skin. Most skin problems that develop during pregnancy are not serious and are considered a normal part of pregnancy. Many skin problems go away on their own after the baby is born.

Common skin conditions

  • Stretch marks. Stretch marks are purple or pink lines on the skin. They may appear on the belly, breasts, thighs, or buttocks. Stretch marks are caused by weight gain, which causes the skin to stretch. Stretch marks do not cause problems. Almost all women get them during pregnancy. Most stretch marks fade after pregnancy, but may not disappear completely.
  • Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation). The darkening may occur in patches or as a line. Patches may appear on the face (melasma), nipples, or genital area. A dark line may also form and stretch from the belly button to the pubic area (linea nigra). Hyperpigmentation develops in almost all pregnant women. It is more severe in women with a dark complexion.
  • Spider angiomas or spider veins. These are tiny pink or red lines that go out from a center point, like the legs of a spider. Usually, they are on the face, neck, and arms. They do not cause problems. They are most common in women with light complexions. Spider veins usually fade after the baby is born.
  • Varicose veins. Excess blood volume during pregnancy can cause veins to enlarge. They can look like swollen veins above the surface of the skin and are usually red or purple. They are usually found on the legs and buttocks (hemorrhoids). In most cases, the varicose veins go away after pregnancy.
  • Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP rash). This is an itchy, red rash that has tiny blisters. The cause is unknown. It generally starts on the abdomen and may affect the arms or legs. It usually begins later in pregnancy. The rash is not known to affect the fetus. Sometimes, oral steroids are used to soothe the itch. The rash clears after the baby is born.

Uncommon skin conditions

  • Pemphigoid gestationis. This is a very rare autoimmune disease. It causes a severely itchy rash and blisters. The rash usually appears on the abdomen, buttocks, arms, and legs. It usually goes away within 3 months after delivery. It may return (recur) with subsequent pregnancies.
  • Pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy. This is a rare condition that causes pimple-like skin growths. It develops in the middle or later stages of pregnancy. The cause of this condition is not known. It usually goes away 2–3 weeks after delivery, but can recur with subsequent pregnancies.
  • Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. This is a rare liver condition that causes itchy skin, but not a rash. It usually occurs on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, but may spread to the abdomen. It usually starts in the third trimester and can increase the risk of complications for the fetus. This condition usually heals after delivery, but it can recur in future pregnancies. It may run in families (inherited).
  • Impetigo herpetiformis. This is a form of a severe skin disease, also called pustular psoriasis. It causes many translucent, white bumps that may form a crust when they burst. It usually occurs in the third trimester. The condition usually heals after delivery, but can recur in future pregnancies.
  • Palmar erythema. This is a reddening of the palms. It is most common in women with light complexions. It usually fades away after pregnancy.
  • Prurigo of pregnancy. This is a disease in which itchy red patches and bumps appear on the body. This condition can happen any time during pregnancy. Usually, it starts as a few bumps but increases each day. The cause is unknown. The patches and bumps clear after the baby is born.

Other skin conditions

  • Swelling and redness. This can occur on the face, eyelids, fingers, or toes.
  • Acne. Pimples may develop, including in women who have had clear skin for a long time.
  • Skin tags. These are small flaps of skin that stick out from the body. They may grow or become darker during pregnancy. They are usually harmless. They do not go away on their own, but can be removed by a health care provider.
  • Moles. These are flat or slightly raised growths. They are usually round and pink or brown. They may grow or become darker during pregnancy.

Some skin problems that were there before pregnancy (pre-existing skin conditions), such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, may become worse during pregnancy.

Follow these instructions at home:

Different conditions may have different instructions for care. In general:

  • Follow all your health care provider’s directions about medicines to treat skin problems while you are pregnant. Do not use over-the-counter medicines, creams, or lotions until you have checked with your health care provider. Many medicines are not safe to use when you are pregnant.
  • Limit time in the sun. This will help keep your skin from darkening. When you must be outside, use sunscreen and wear a hat with a wide brim to protect your face. The sunscreen should have a SPF of at least 15.
  • Use a gentle soap. This helps prevent skin irritation.
  • Do not get too hot or too sweaty. This makes some skin rashes worse.
  • Wear loose clothes made of a soft fabric. This prevents skin irritation.
  • Use a skin moisturizer. Ask your health care provider for suggestions.
  • Exercise regularly, if possible. Ask your health care provider about the activities that are safe for you. Healthy pregnant women should aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate exercise per week. This can help reduce several pregnancy side effects, including varicose veins.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Summary

  • Most skin problems that develop during pregnancy are not serious and are considered a normal part of pregnancy. They usually go away on their own after the baby is born.
  • Some common skin problems include stretch marks, darkening of the skin, spider veins, varicose veins, and PUPPP rash.
  • Follow all your health care provider’s directions about medicines to treat skin problems while you are pregnant. Do not use any over-the-counter medicines, creams, or lotions until you have checked with your health care provider.
  • To prevent and manage skin problems, use gentle soap, try not to get too hot or sweaty, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, and limit time in the sun.
  • Some pre-existing skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, may become worse during pregnancy.
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