Skin Conditions During Pregnancy
Description of Various Skin Disorders That Occur in Pregnant Women
Oct 27, 2008
While many women are aware that they may experience morning sickness, fatigue, sore breasts, or other common symptoms of pregnancy, most are unaware that skin conditions commonly flare during these nine months. According to both the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a high percentage of women suffer skin disorders during pregnancy.
Hormone-Related Skin Conditions
Stretch Marks: Stretch marks appear as pink-purple lines or bands across the abdomen, buttocks, thighs and breasts. They are the result of skin rapidly stretching and growing. Stretch marks occur in 90% of pregnancy women by the third trimester, and there is no evidence that vitamin E, cocoa butter, or Aloe Vera lotion can prevent stretch marks. Stretch marks generally fade to flesh colored lines postpartum but they never disappear.
Linea Negra: Every woman has a line, the abdominal linea alba, that runs from the belly button to the pubic bone. Duing pregnancy, that line typically darkens and is called the linea negra.
Melasma: Also known as the mask of pregnancy, melasma appears as blotchy, tan-to-brown patches on the forehead and chin. Women may also develop dark patches on the breasts, nipples, or inner thighs. Melasma occurs in 70% of pregnancy women and usually resolves postpartum.
Vascular changes: During pregnancy, blood vessels dilate and spread, and the weight and pressure of the uterus slows the blood flow to the lower body. This can cause both spider veins and varicose veins, and can even cause hemorrhoids near the rectum. Vascular changes occur in 40% of pregnancies and rarely result in deep vein thrombosis, a more serious condition.
Pre-Existing Skin Conditions
Atopic dermatitis: This is a chronic skin disease, which causes skin sores, often on the hands and arms. It usually worsens during pregnancy.
Psoriasis: This skin disorder can cause raised patches of red skin, and may actually improve during pregnancy.
Pregnancy-Specific Skin Conditions
PUPPP (pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy): PUPPP causes a rash of small red bumps and hives, usually on the abdomen. PUPPP generally develops during the third trimester and resolves after delivery.
Pruritus gravidarum: Pruritus is generalized itching throughout the body during pregnancy which occurs in less than 2% of pregnant women and may also cause nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
Pemphigus gestationis: Gestationis is a rare auto-immune disorder which causes a rash, blisters and lesions, and which may not resolve until several months postpartum.
Impetigo herpetiformis: Impetigo is a rare skin disorder during pregnancy, which causes rash, lesions, and crusty patches on the skin. Sufferers may also have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or flu-like symptoms.
Prurigo: Prurigo also causes rash and lesions in pregnant women, and the rash usually looks like insect bites and continues after the baby is born.
Papular dermatitis: Papular dermatitis is a very rare skin eruption in pregnant women, which may cause a 30% fetal mortality rate.
Cholestasis: Cholestasis is actually a liver condition, which causes itching on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet and can cause pre-term labor.
Fibromas: Also called skin tags, these extra pieces of flesh can grow on the face, neck, or beneath the breasts during pregnancy. They usually disappear postpartum.
Coping With Skin Disorders During Pregnancy
Many over-the-counter steroid creams commonly used to treat itchiness or other skin conditions are not safe during pregnancy. Women should check with their obstetrician or dermatologist if they have questions or concerns regarding their skin during pregnancy.
There are, however, a few ways in which women can avoid developing a rash or lesions during pregnancy:
- Wash with mild, gentle soaps
- Avoid wearing itchy fabrics and clothes
- Avoid getting overheated
- Regularly apply moisturizer
If the pregnant woman suffers from varicose or spider veins:
- Try not to stand in one place for an extended period of time
- Do not sit with legs crossed
- Keep legs propped when sitting
- Exercise regularly
With the exception of stretch marks, most of the skin conditions that plague pregnant women resolve themselves during the postpartum period. Rarely, however, some skin disorders can be a sign of a more serious illness. All symptoms should be promptly reported to a qualified medical professional so that a proper diagnosis can be made.
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