During And After Pregnancy: 3 Common Skin Issues You Might Encounter

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From morning sickness to swollen ankles, for many women, pregnancy is fraught with a variety of debilitating symptoms. You were prepared for these symptoms, and assumed the only impact pregnancy would have on your skin is the elusive glow. Unfortunately, if you're like the majority of pregnant women, there's a chance you will encounter one of these common pregnancy skin issues. Here are three of the most common pregnancy-related skin issues, and what you can do to prevent and treat them:

Melasma

Otherwise known as "The Mask of Pregnancy", melasma is characterized by a darkening of the skin, particularly on the cheek, under the nose and on the forehead. The entire area can darken, or you might notice small spots.

Melasma is caused by the hormonal surges that naturally occurs during pregnancy. Luckily, these patches of dark skin on the face are completely harmless and will fade within a few weeks or months after you've given birth.

Unfortunately, there aren't any treatments you can safely undergo during pregnancy to treat melasma. Staying out the sun and wearing sunscreen can help lessen the intensity of melasma. However, if you still suffer from a serious case of melasma, camouflaging the affected areas with makeup is your best option.

After you give birth, there are several treatments available. For example, your dermatologist may recommend microdermabrasion or micro polishing, both of which can minimize the appearance of melasma. If a new mother isn't breastfeeding, or she is no longer breastfeeding, a dermatologist might also prescribe a skin lightening cream.

Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plagues of Pregnancy

Another common and very irritating skin condition that affects several pregnant women is called pruritic urticarial papules and plagues of pregnancy, or PUPPP. Typically, a pregnant woman suffering with PUPPP will present with an itchy, irritating rash on her abdomen. The rash can spread over the entire body. However, it is typically not found on the face.

It's unclear what causes PUPPP, although it is believed that the new surge of pregnancy hormones is to blame. Although PUPPP can affect any pregnant woman, it is most commonly found in first-time mothers or women carrying multiple babies.

PUPPP is not dangerous, but it doesn't mean that the itching and irritation cannot become severe. If this occurs, there are several safe, effective ways to find relief, including:

• Applying an Aloe Vera gel or thick lotion after bathing
• Adding oatmeal or baking soda to your bath water and taking a long soak
• Applying a topical anti-itch cream that contains hydrocortisone. It is important to consult your obstetrician before using any type of over-the-counter products.

Thankfully, PUPPP typically resolves itself after pregnancy and, for the majority of mothers who suffer from PUPPP during their first pregnancy, they never suffer from the issue again.

Stretch Marks

According to American Family Physician, approximately 90 percent of pregnant women will deal with stretch marks by their third trimester. As the name would suggest, stretch marks occur because your growing baby, weight gain and water weight are causing your skin to stretch far too quickly, which results in the unsightly red lines.

During pregnancy, there are many ways women can prevent stretch marks. For example, applying a stretch mark cream several times a day to the growing baby bump, thighs and legs can help keep the skin supple, which in turn helps prevent the unwanted marks. Maintaining a healthy weight and eating foods that are rich in vitamin C are two other great options.

Once the baby is born, there are several ways your dermatologist can treat stretch marks. In addition to OTC and prescription creams, your dermatologist might recommend a laser treatment. If the stretch marks are severe or you want them permanently removed, your doctor might recommend an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck.

From the pregnancy mask to PUPPP, having a baby can wreak havoc on your body, and your skin. If you're concerned about any skin problems you encounter during pregnancy, don't hesitate to contact your doctor immediately. 

18 February 2016