Atopic Eruptions and effects on Baby

Emobileclinic Trending Topic : Atopic Eruption of Pregnancy (AEP)

Pregnancy is a life time experience; it comes with the joy of being an expectant mother.  However, there are some conditions which may arise that may make the journey so frustrating. From nausea and uneasiness to heartburn and insomnia, pregnancy comes with a number of signs and symptoms, most of them a bit tricky to deal with. Atopic eruption is one such common concern experienced by women during their pregnancy period. Atopic eruption of pregnancy is a group of conditions that may affect pregnant women. Most of these conditions revolve around the skin,

and can cause the development of red patches and itchy bumps all over the body. In fact, this condition is also found to be prevalent in women who have never been affected by eczema or other skin conditions prior to their pregnancy. However, in most cases, atopic eruption does not pose any health risks to the developing baby. 

Causes

The real cause of atopic eruption is yet unknown, however, it could be hereditary. Atopic dermatitis in pregnancy, in general, has affected women with overactive immune system which causes redness and inflammation of the skin, which may possibly be due to changes in the immune system function during pregnancy. In most cases, atopic eruptions tend to disappear after delivery. 

Signs and Symptom

Formation of rough red patches on different regions of the skin, particularly the creases of the elbows, the face, the neck and the back of the knees.

Bumps may also show up on widespread regions such as the arms, legs and the abdomen. 

Itchiness 

Scratching and exudation of the skin. 

Treatment 

Avoiding irritants prior to the pregnancy period.

Use of mild corticosteroids to deal with the condition depending upon its severity.

Oral anti-histamines may be prescribed to control itching, which sometimes interferes interfere with pregnancy. 

Use of oral antibiotics if the rashes become weepy and are infected by bacteria

Atopic Eruptions and effects on Baby

There has been no evidence to suggest that eczema and other atopic eruptions may affect fetal health. However, medications that are used to tackle AEP must be used wisely during pregnancy.

The overuse of topical corticosteroid medications could possibly increase certain health risks for the fetus such as premature delivery, miscarriage, intrauterine growth retardation and low birth weight. 

It has been found that eczema and other signs and symptoms of AEP tend to improve after the baby is born. However, women who are once affected by this condition may have a higher risk of being affected in the future as well.