Major Skin Problems & Treatments in Pregnancy

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Major skin problems in pregnancy

 If you can avoid treating skin problems in pregnancy is better, but if it becomes so bothersome ,a certified dermatologist is needed to recommend treatment options that will be safe for you and your baby.

Skin problems are common during pregnancy due to a shift in the immune system .Common skin problems are eczema, acne,psoriasis etc. Atopic dermatitis is the most common rash dermatologists see in pregnancy,” says Dr. Murase, MD, FAAD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology, University of California, San Francisco.
 

“Expectant mothers often see their existing eczema get worse or have a flare for the first time in many years,”she added.She suggested Topical corticosteroids as an appropriate treatment option for pregnant women with eczema. Dr. Murase says mild or moderate topical corticosteroids are preferred to more potent formulations, which should only be used for a short period of time. This should be diluted with a moisturizer which can contribute to healing while reducing the amount of medication used.
Another common skin problem is psoriasis. According to Dr. Murase, the same immune system shift that leads to eczema flares in pregnant patients can sometimes result in the clearing of psoriasis; often to the point where no treatment is required to manage the condition. “About half of pregnant women experience a dramatic improvement that may allow them to temporarily discontinue treatment,” she says.
Unless there is a clear medical need, pregnant women should avoid biologics and other systemic medications for psoriasis. These patients may use topical treatments like moisturizers, emollients, and low- to moderate-dose corticosteroids to manage their condition.

”Breastfeeding mothers should be cautious in applying high-potency topical corticosteroids to the nipple area in order to avoid passing the medication on to their baby”,she says. If additional treatment is necessary, phototherapy may be utilized. Narrowband ultraviolet B is the best option for pregnant and nursing women; broadband ultraviolet B therapy also may be considered. Psoralen with ultraviolet A (PUVA) treatment should be avoided, as psoralen may enter breastmilk and lead to light sensitivity in babies. If psoriasis patients discontinue or change their treatment regimen during pregnancy, Dr. Murase recommends that they restart their pre-pregnancy regimen as soon as possible after giving birth, as their condition may flare once the pregnancy is over.She advises these patients to consult their doctor before stopping or starting any treatments.



Acne bothers a lot of women before and during pregnancy .There are a variety of treatment options available for acne, and several are suitable for pregnant patients. Topical benzoyl peroxide is a good option for these women, as it is both safe and widely available, Dr. Murase says, and it may be used in combination with the topical antibiotic clindamyacin. Moderate to severe acne cases may be treated with antibiotics in conjunction with topical therapy, but antibiotics should be used for a limited period of time, as overuse could contribute to bacterial resistance. Dr. Murase says the best antibiotic options for expectant mothers are those in the cephalosporin family, while erythromycin and azithromycin also may be acceptable for these patients. She says pregnant women should avoid tetracycline antibiotics.

Source
AAD