OVERVIEW
Are you an expectant mother worried about how your skin could turn out as you draw closer to delivery? Well, you should know that you are not alone. While the joy of motherhood is a really beautiful thing, there is no doubt that the sacrifice of the journey does show in our skins.
According to expert sources, there are more than 20 conditions that pregnant women could develop during the course of their 9-month journey, and many of them could cause have a toll on women’s confidence. Fortunately, there is not a lot to worry about, as an appointment with a dermatologist can easily sort out these conditions.
Want to know common pregnancy-related skin conditions and how a dermatologist can help? Then read on to catch up to speed.
Top conditions Pregnancy-Related Conditions and Their Treatments
It is essential to understand that almost all skin conditions related to pregnancy will typically fade off after childbirth. Nevertheless, most pregnant women prefer to get treatment because of the possible physical and psychological effect that the conditions have on their appearance and confidence.
A dermatologist is the right health professional to administer treatment for undesirable Pregnancy-related skin conditions.
These health professionals understand the consequences of medications for pregnant women and are trained to offer the right treatments for many pregnancies-influenced skin conditions.
Hyperpigmentation
This is one of the significant conditions that expectant mothers face before delivery. Almost every soon-to-be mother experiences increased melanin that causes pigmentations on their skin. The issue with the color change is that it is dull and unevenly spread all over the body.
Solution: A dermatologist could suggest a Sunscreen with SPF of 30 and above. Creams with hydroquinone are also helpful.
Melasma
Melasma, also called chloasma, is a major and usually embarrassing type of hyperpigmentation that leaves many pregnant women with a red face when it occurs. The condition causes brown patches on the face that are quite noticeable. The patches are usually called the mask of pregnancy.
Melasma does not cause any physical pain as its effect is more psychological.
Solution: same solution as general hyperpigmentation.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are common skin conditions that pregnant women develop during their pre-delivery periods. Stretch marks occur in the skin, especially in the stomach area, due to its steady expansion and enlargement following the growth of the baby bump.
The expansion causes sharp, noticeable marks all over the skins. Many women consider these marks unattractive and seek ways to get rid of them.
Solution: Dermatologists strongly recommend treatments should only be sought after delivery. There are no proven treatments for this condition, and it is one of the few that will not go away after pregnancy. Dermatologists do recommend laser treatments and high-end prescription creams.
The Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy
Stylized PUPPP, this condition triggers multiple pale-looking red bumps all over the skin. These bumps are typically uncomfortable and could be itchy and stingy.
PUPPP is quite large and could grow as big as a very large dolt. Multiple PUPPPs in one part of the skin are called plaque.
Solution: dermatologists usually recommend an antihistamine or, in certain cases, topical corticosteroids. At home, safe treatments include applying lukewarm water to the affected area.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are another skin condition that many women experience. These tags are small noticeable tissue flaps that appear on the skins. They are pretty much skin outgrowths that are non-cancerous. The issue with tags is that they are unsightly, and most women do not like them. They could appear on the neck, breast, chest, and back.
Solution: Dermatologists could perform cryotherapy (freezing the tags until they fall off) or a mini-surgery involving cutting off the tag with a scalpel or scissors.
Acne, Dermatitis, Atopic, and Psoriasis
Acnes are one of the most undesirable skin conditions that develop or increase during pregnancy. The same is the case with psoriasis, atopic, and dermatitis.
Solution: Dermatologists may recommend Anti-inflammatory, Antibiotics, Vitamin A derivatives, and Topical antiseptics.
Prurigo of Pregnancy
This is a condition characterized by itchy bumps on the belly and other skin parts.
Solution: Dermatologists’ recommended moisturizers and other topical creams are effective against this condition.
Pemphigoid Gestationis
This is a serious condition that is characterized by blisters on the belly. It could sometimes spread to other areas. Pemphigoid could lead to complications as serious as preterm birth.
Solution: Dermatologists usually recommend oral corticosteroids and certain tropical products as treatments.