During pregnancy, your skin can become a bit more prone to various skin problems. These include Stretch marks, Melasma, Psoriasis, and Cutaneous Tumors. The good news is that there are treatments that you can use to treat your skin, as well as help prevent further problems.
Stretch marks
During pregnancy, many women are confronted with a variety of challenges. These range from weight gain to health issues. Stretch marks are one of the more common side effects of pregnancy.
They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the abdomen. The best way to prevent stretch marks is to moisturize the areas that are prone to stretching. You can also avoid them by eating foods rich in vitamin C and zinc.
The most important part of a healthy diet is to make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need. You should eat a variety of foods from all food groups. A variety of vitamins and minerals are essential to the growth of your baby.
Exercise can also help minimize the appearance of pregnancy stretch marks. While it may not be the most exciting activity you can fit into your day, it does help keep you healthy. It can also increase blood circulation and reduce cravings.
During your pregnancy, you should drink plenty of water. However, you should not just gulp it down. A few glasses a day will help keep you hydrated.
Using a shea butter-based cream is a good idea. This type of moisturizer can soothe your belly. A moisturizer containing avocado oil is a great alternative.
Using Vitamin C or a prenatal vitamin can help prevent stretch marks. It is best to ask your doctor or OB-GYN for guidance on which prenatal vitamins to take.
Eczema
During pregnancy, eczema is one of the most common skin conditions. There are a number of treatments available to ease the symptoms.
For most women, eczema during pregnancy is not a cause for concern. However, for some women, the disease may worsen or develop in the second trimester. It is important to seek help from a medical professional for the best treatment.
During pregnancy, certain changes to the skin may trigger an eczema outbreak. For instance, a sudden change in temperature, humidity, or sweating can make eczema worse. Also, avoid washing your face or other areas of your body with hot water and soap. Instead, try using cotton gloves or a cool compress. This will relieve the itch and will also prevent infection.
For pregnant women, topical corticosteroids can be used safely. But, be sure to use them only for short periods of time.
Another therapy that is safe for a pregnant woman is taking probiotics. These supplements are found in many grocery stores and can help restore good bacteria in your system.
It is also important to avoid certain medications during pregnancy. For example, pregnant women should avoid methotrexate and PUVA (Pentamycin) therapy.
If you have a history of eczema before pregnancy, your risk of developing the disease during pregnancy is greater. Some pregnant women will experience a flare-up during the first trimester of pregnancy.
You should also consider your diet when you are pregnant. Foods that contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and tuna, can be helpful. But, you should be careful about your fish intake while you are pregnant since heavy metals can be contaminated.
Melasma
During pregnancy, your skin may develop a condition known as melasma. This pigmentation problem affects 50 to 70 percent of women. Typically, dark patches appear on the face and cheeks. Usually, melasma goes away after delivery. However, it can continue to show up in some people, especially those who are predisposed.
During pregnancy, it’s important to avoid direct exposure to the sun. The UV rays can cause hyperpigmentation. Using sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor) is the best way to avoid melasma. It’s also essential to use skin-brightening products to help hide the appearance of melasma.
Using a melasma cream or lotion with fruit-derived alpha hydroxy acids can be helpful. These AHAs are known to speed up cell turnover and reveal healthier skin. It’s also recommended to use an SPF product with at least 30 sun protection.
Another option for treatment is laser therapy. Unlike a bleaching cream, laser treatments can help lighten dark spots. A dermatologist will evaluate your skin and determine if laser therapy is the right solution for you.
Other possible treatments include oral medications and chemical peels. These topical products work by removing dead skin cells and helping to lighten the appearance of melasma.
Other treatments, like laser resurfacing, can help return your skin to its original tone. This is a good option for pregnant women because it’s generally safe.
Pregnant women should also avoid fragranced and scented skincare products. Choose products that are free of toxins.
Psoriasis
Those who are planning to become pregnant should consult their doctor about treatment for psoriasis during pregnancy. Some medications are not safe for use during pregnancy. They may increase the risk of preeclampsia, low birth weight, and miscarriage.
The literature provides limited information on comorbidities, pregnancy outcomes, and therapeutic management of women with psoriasis. Most of the information is based on case reports.
A systematic review of observational studies found no consistent association between psoriasis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, a recent study found a higher rate of spontaneous abortions, emergency cessation, large-for-gestational-age neonates, and pregnancy-induced hypertension in women with psoriasis.
The use of topical corticosteroids is often recommended for psoriasis during pregnancy. It is important to remember that these treatments should only be used on areas that are not nippled.
Many women report that their psoriasis improves during pregnancy. In fact, the majority of research indicates that pregnancy improves psoriasis symptoms. It is best to discuss your pregnancy plans with a dermatologist. They will be able to recommend the best treatment options.
Some biological agents, such as acitretin, are not recommended during pregnancy. They are known to cause birth defects. Other therapies, such as isotretinoin, clear out the body faster than acitretin.
There are few studies available on the effects of psoriasis treatments on breastfed infants. However, if you have psoriasis, you should talk to your pediatrician about the possibility of passing the disease to your child.
Fibromas
During pregnancy, fibroids can have a number of negative effects on the mother and baby. They can increase the risk of miscarriage and preterm labor, among other complications. There are a number of treatment options available, but it’s important to know your personal risks.
The majority of women with fibroids don’t experience any symptoms during the first trimester. They’re only diagnosed once they have a pelvic exam or ultrasound. However, there are a few signs and symptoms that you may notice. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. The doctor can provide you with information on the most effective ways to manage your fibroids during pregnancy.
The most common symptom of fibroids during pregnancy is abdominal cramping. This is often associated with light vaginal bleeding. You can use ice packs or pain medication to treat this.
Another possible symptom is a pain in your pelvis or lower back. You may also experience nausea and fever. Your doctor can prescribe pain medication to help you cope with the discomfort. You can also have an ultrasound to look at your uterus and placenta.
Large fibroids can have a serious effect on your pregnancy. They can impede fetal growth, cause premature labor, and lead to a cesarean section. They can also cause severe pain and bleeding during your pregnancy.
If you have fibroids, you’re more likely to experience a miscarriage during the first 23 weeks of your pregnancy. This is because fibroids can block the placenta from delivering. If the fetus is unable to get enough oxygen, it’s at risk for infection and can eventually die.
Cutaneous Tumors
During pregnancy, women are at increased risk for melanoma. While most women with this disease have no preexisting medical history, pregnant women are at greater risk for more advanced stages of the tumor. Melanoma has a poor prognosis.
Some studies have shown that cutaneous melanomas, also known as nonmelanoma skin cancer, have a higher rate of progression during pregnancy. Usually, this is because of the lowered immune system, as well as hormones and other factors. Nonetheless, surgery and other treatments during pregnancy are generally safe. Depending on the location and severity of the disease, the treatment options can vary.
Surgical biopsies are often performed under general anesthesia, which puts the patient into a deep sleep. However, a less invasive alternative is an ultrasound, which can help guide a thin, hollow needle into the appropriate area for biopsy.
For some women with melanoma, cancer may spread to other areas of the body. In these cases, lymph node dissection or other procedures are considered. These surgeries can be done at any time during pregnancy.
For more severe cases, a maternal-fetal specialist or radiologist may be involved. In other instances, a surgical oncologist may perform the surgery.
Surgical treatment for cancer during pregnancy is generally safe. But, it is important to consult your doctor, OB-GYN, or oncologist for more information. Whether you are a high-risk pregnancy patient or a low-risk patient, you will need to coordinate your care with your physician.
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