How To Treat Eczema While Pregnant

How Is A Patient With Eczema Managed In Pregnancy

Where possible, advice before conception should include strategies to minimise disease activity at baseline, as eczema may deteriorate during pregnancy. This should include advice about avoiding irritants and allergens, the use of emollients , and how to apply topical treatments. A patient who is receiving systemic treatment for eczema should be made aware of the minimum time interval between stopping their treatment and safely getting pregnant, without increased risk to the child .

Limit The Amount Of Time Spent In Water

Spending a lot of time in water can dry out your skin and exacerbate eczema symptoms. To help prevent your skin condition from worsening, limit the time spent in pools and baths.

Youll want to take quick showers with lukewarm water. Taking hot showers can also dry out your skin if you arent mindful of the water temperature and how long you stay in the shower.

When The Itch Wont Stop During Pregnancy Or While Breastfeeding

Disclaimer: This page houses important information and resources pertaining to eczema during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, including links to our evidence-based Fact Sheets. However, the resources here should not replace the care and advice of a medical professional.

Reference: Hanifin et al., 2007

Eczema is a group of conditions that cause the skin to become itchy or inflamed and can cause red or darker colored patches during a flare-up. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which is a more severe and long-lasting form of eczema. Common triggers for an eczema flare include dry skin, environmental irritants and allergens, stress, and hormones. This last one is particularly relevant for people who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, as changing hormone levels can cause a worsening of symptoms during pregnancy.

Having a healthy pregnancy is within reach, even when eczema is on the warpath. During pregnancy and after childbirth, a needs to be well-nourished, well-rested and as free from stress as possible. Excellent self-care is the greatest gift a can give and newborn.

National Eczema Association

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Home Care For Eczema During Pregnancy

Here are some home care tips you may follow to manage eczema during pregnancy.

• Emollients or moisturizers are important in skin Daily use will make your skin less dry and prevent frequent flare-ups. Consistency is the key to managing eczema during pregnancy.

• Avoid hot showers to prevent barrier disruption. Moderate showers help in keeping the skin supple.

• Loose-fitting clothing is better as it helps the skin

• Avoid harsh soaps or cleansers, which may dry up the skin

• Staying hydrated helps in keeping the skin hydrated and healthy.

• Avoid any fragrances, soaps, or other agents that cause skin irritation.

• The itching due to eczema can be severe. However, curbing the urge to itch is essential. Massaging the skin around the affected area and using a soft washcloth to rub the affected area can help manage skin

Women with a history of eczema are more likely to experience it during pregnancy. If you plan to start a family and have a history of eczema, start using emollients and avoid triggers, such as harsh soaps before conception. Inform your OB-GYN about your eczema history, and take all the necessary precautions. Since taking precautions does not guarantee prevention, contact your healthcare provider if you notice any symptoms of eczema.

References:

What Symptoms Can You Expect With Eczema In Pregnancy

There are two forms of atopic eruption:

• Eczematous : This type of eczema is characterized by rough and red patches that usually appear on the face, neck, creases of elbows and on the back of knees
• Prurigo : This type of pregnancy eczema appears in several bumps that are widespread on the abdomen, arms and legs .

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Foods That Can Make Eczema Worse

1) Dairy. The proteins found in dairy are the triggers for eczema. It is not an issue with lactose and eating lactose-free dairy does not help. Similarly, contrary to popular belief, eating cooked dairy is still a trigger for eczema. The proteins do not get broken down enough in the cooking process to be significant. Elimination of all dairy for 3 weeks should lead to improvement if dairy is the culprit.

2) Eggs are a very common food sensitivity in children under 4 and are associated with eczema. Eliminate egg whites and yolks for 3 weeks. Eggs are often hidden in a lot of foods. While doing an egg elimination, it is imperative to read all package labels to look for hidden sources.

3) Gluten is a common trigger of eczema, but it tends to be a bigger trigger in adults vs children. Another sign of a gluten sensitivity is having keratosis pilaris, which is characterized by having bumpy skin on the backs of the upper arms . If you or your child has this and has eczema, there is a good chance that gluten is the offending food.

4) Tomatoes can be very inflammatory to young childrens skin, especially if eaten frequently. Tomatoes can also cause an acid diaper rash.

5) Citrus fruits have similar effects as tomatoes in young children, especially oranges.

Itchy Skin Conditions Unrelated To Pregnancy

Pregnant women are more likely to present with an itchy skin condition unrelated to pregnancy than with a specific dermatosis of pregnancy . Apart from preexisting skin diseases, which may worsen in pregnancy , common diagnoses to be considered in this age group include urticaria, insect bites, infestations, contact dermatitis, or polymorphic light eruption.

Table 1 Pruritic dermatoses in pregnancy

Whereas insect bites, contact dermatitis, or polymorphic light eruption are usually self-limiting during a period of 12 weeks, a substantial number of patients with urticaria need treatment for extensive swelling or severe pruritus. Simple measures, such as wet compresses, cool emollients, wet wrap dressings, or lotio alba aquosa, are helpful to alleviate pruritus in mild and self-limiting conditions. In more severe or prolonged cases, antihistamines or even systemic administration of corticosteroids may be needed the choice of a specific drug depends on severity and gestational age.

If scabies is suspected, careful examination should be performed to identify Sarcoptes scabiei by dermatoscopy or microscopy of skin scrapings. In Europe, permethrin 5 % is recommended for treatment of pregnant women with scabies. Obviously, it is very important to look for potential carriers and to treat them accordingly to avoid the need for repeated courses of a neurotoxic drug.

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Which Eczema Medications Should You Avoid During Pregnancy

Its critical to get the green light from your doctor or dermatologist before taking any medication to treat eczema when youre pregnant. Here are a few drugs and remedies to avoid:

• Cyclosporine. This drug has long been used to treat severe cases of eczema, but research indicates that it may be associated with an increased rate of premature birth and low birth rate in babies. Skip this medication and check with your practitioner before taking any topical or systemic antibiotics.
• Protopic and Elidel. Topical prescriptions known as TIMs, or topical immunomodulators, are made to reduce inflammation, but theyre off-limits during pregnancy, because they havent been well-studied in pregnant women and cant be ruled as safe.
• Herbs or aloe vera. Herbal medications should definitely be discussed with your practitioner in advance, and aloe, both in gel and latex form, may be unsafe during pregnancy and when nursing.

What Are Treatments For Pregnancy Eczema

âWomen who are pregnant become risk averse and donât want to do anything that could harm their baby,â says Dr. Hooper. And this can sometimes make them reluctant to seek eczema treatment. But she says thatâs the wrong call. With help from both their OB/GYN and dermatologist, Dr. Hooper says together they can come up with a treatment plan appropriate for pregnancy.

Another concern, says Dr. Ronda Farah, a dermatologist and professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, is a propensity to reach for natural alternatives. Sure, the label says natural or organic, but all too often, these products are loaded with fragrances, a trigger for eczema says Dr. Farah.

Rather than reaching for maternity branded skin treatments that could actually induce a flare up, look for no-fragrance, basic products.

âYou want to pick a moisturizer that’s very bland,â says Dr. Farah. âWe don’t like things with a lot of fragrances and extra ingredients because the skin can get sensitized and irritated by it.â

Instead, avoid expensive designer creams and go for an ointment-based solution like Vaseline Petroleum Jelly. This, Dr. Farah says, will help lock in moisture especially if applied right after a shower when the skin is still a bit damp.

Dr. Hooper suggests looking closely at moisturizer labels. She suggests brands like Cetaphil and Aveeno which, she adds, are completely safe for pregnant women.

Experts

Studies

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Symptoms Of Obstetric Cholestasis

The classic symptom of OC is itching without rash, usually on the palms and soles of the feet, but it may be more widespread. The itching can be non-stop or unbearable, and worse at night.

Other symptoms include dark urine, jaundice , and pale bowel movements .

The itchiness usually goes away within a few days after giving birth.

Advice For Eczema Patients Before Conception

Eczema treatments in pregnancy

• Psoralens plus ultraviolet A *

Recommended minimum systemic drug-free interval before conception

• Methotrexatethree months

• PUVAno minimum time but stop before conception

*Avoid in breastfeeding mothers

Emollients remain an integral part of eczema management in all patients. Taking tepid baths, using emollients, and avoiding soap can minimise barrier disruption, which may otherwise increase transepidermal water loss and exacerbate eczema. Moderate to potent topical steroids combined with moisturisers remain the mainstay of treatment for mild to moderate eczema and, with the exception of very potent topical steroids, can continue to be used relatively safely throughout pregnancy. Bacterial infections are an important cause of exacerbations and should be treated promptly to avoid further deterioration. Staphylococcus aureus colonises more than 90% of eczema lesions, but active infection may be suggested by the presence of increased pain or swelling, impetigo-like crusting, or inflammatory papules.

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How Is Eczema Treated During Pregnancy

In most cases, pregnancy-induced eczema can be controlled with moisturizers and ointments. If the eczema is severe enough, your doctor may prescribe a steroid ointment to apply to your skin. Topical steroids appear to be safe during pregnancy, but talk to your doctor about any concerns. They can help you understand your treatment options and associated risks. There is some evidence that UV light therapy may also help clear up the eczema.

Avoid any treatments that involve methotrexate or psoralen plus ultraviolet A during pregnancy. They can harm the fetus.

You can also take steps to help prevent eczema or stop it from getting worse:

• Take warm, moderate showers instead of hot showers.
• Keep your skin hydrated with moisturizers.
• Apply moisturizer directly after you shower.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing that wont irritate your skin. Choose clothing made from natural products, like cotton. Wool and hemp clothing may cause additional irritation to your skin.
• Avoid harsh soaps or body cleaners.
• If you live in a dry climate, consider using a humidifier in your home. Heaters can also dry out the air in your home.
• Drink water throughout the day. Its beneficial not only to your health and the health of your baby, but also to your skin.

Psoriasis Treatment To Avoid During Pregnancy

We know that a few psoriasis medicines can cause severe birth defects or make a woman lose the baby. Psoriasis medicines known to do this are:

• Acitretin

• Methotrexate

• Tazarotene

To prevent possible problems with a pregnancy, a woman should also stop taking these medicines before becoming pregnant.

Warning

Due to the risks, women who want to have children may want to avoid these psoriasis treatments until they finish having children.

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The Connection Between Eczema And Hormones

If youre wondering why you and so many women experience eczema during pregnancy, blame your hormones. Your hormones can directly affect your immune system. While pregnant, your estrogen production increases and your immune system shifts to protect the fetus. It goes from a T1 response to a T2.

This is an important change to help your baby grow and make sure your baby is safe. However, its thought to be the primary factor in why some women experience eczema during pregnancy. Your bodys shift to a T2 response can also worsen asthma and allergy symptoms, which are well-known for correlating with the occurrence of eczema.

Other Skin Conditions You Might Be Noticing

In addition to eczema, several other benign skin conditions can happen during pregnancy, including stretch marks and melasma.

Some of these changes are hormonal, while some may be related to a pre-existing condition. For the most part, skin conditions shouldnt interfere with your pregnancy theyre just an annoying side effect.

If youre concerned about your symptoms, give your doctor a call.

If youre on medication for an ongoing skin condition like psoriasis, you may need to pause the meds and stick to natural remedies. Your doc can help you figure out what to try.

Before you resort to medication to manage your eczema, try making some simple changes to your daily routine and see if your symptoms improve.

Here are a few options for relief:

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What Are The Symptoms

Eczema outside of pregnancy and pregnancy-induced eczema have the same symptoms. Some women experience some of the symptoms, while others experience all. A smaller percentage of women have very severe symptoms that hinder them from doing some activities. Eczema symptoms include itchy skin, rough patches that leak fluid or crust, pigmentation on parts of the skin and inflamed, red, dry, and sensitive skin.

Atopic dermatitis is mostly genetic and other times triggered when one is exposed to environmental allergens that do not affect others. There is a high probability that if you have pregnancy-induced eczema, someone else in the family probably suffers from severely dry skin, asthma, food allergies, other allergies, or hay fever. Other times eczema can be caused by irritants such as metals, detergents, chemicals, or yeast, hence the name contact dermatitis. You might start to notice that your ring will begin to feel itchy. Pregnancy hormones can also make the situation better or worse if you have had a history of eczema.

Eczema During Pregnancy: Prevention And Treatment

Perhaps you’ve only ever experienced mild eczema at certain times of the year, perhaps you’ve never had it all. But now you’re expecting, you can add a massive flare-up to your already long list of pregnancy symptoms? Blame the hormones…

What is it?

Atopic eczema is a largely hereditary condition, meaning that if any member of your family suffers from it, you’re more likely to yourself. It’s linked to other conditions, including asthma, hay fever and food allergies, too. Sometimes, in pregnant women, eczema seemingly appears from nowhere. For women who have suffered from eczema pre-pregnancy, more than half will find that expecting a baby makes their eczema much worse. Only around a quarter of sufferers find that pregnancy improves their eczema.

The cause, as ever, is likely to be your pregnancy hormones, which are sending all parts of your body slightly doolally. Of course, various triggers will be partly to blame, but the pregnancy might well be making you more sensitive to them.

If you have not suffered from eczema before, the symptoms range from mild to severe, but at any level they can be quite unpleasant. Mild cases will mean patches of dry, pink or red flaky skin, which can feel very itchy. Severe cases can mean cracked and bleeding skin, which is prone to infection.

Common places for eczema to pop up include the hands and wrists, the backs of the knees and inside the elbows. But it can occur all over the place, including the face and neck yuk.

What can I do?

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Causes Of Eczema During Pregnancy

A combination of genetic and environmental factors could cause eczema in pregnant women. Additionally, people with eczema may have an over-reactive immune system. Some studies show that people with eczema have a variant of the gene that creates filaggrina protein that maintains the skins hydration by creating a protective barrier on the top layercausing filaggrin-deficient skin .

Eczema From Pregnancy To Menopause

Ah, the joys of pregnancy! While some women sail right through it, others endure morning sickness, varicose veins and hemorrhoids, to name just a few common afflictions of that blessed state. And a history of eczema may add one more source of distress into the mix.

The worsening of eczema symptoms during pregnancy has to do with the influence of female sex hormonesspecifically estrogenon a womans immune system, said Dr. Jenny Murase, a dermatologist on the faculty of the University of California-San Francisco.

During pregnancy, a shift takes place in a womans body from Th1-dominant to Th2-dominant immunity, Murase explained. Th1 cells specialize in defending our bodies against foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses and anything recognized as non-self that try to penetrate our cells. Half of the fetuss genetic material comes from the mother and half from the father. So the Th1-dominant response, left to its own devices, will mount an attack against the half thats from the father and cause the fetus to abort.

To protect the growing fetus, Murase continued, a pregnant womans body temporarily shifts to Th2-dominant immunity. Th2 cells are all about fighting off allergens and toxins that circulate outside our cells.

The upshot is that Th2-dominant immunity keeps the fetus safe but makes the mother more sensitive to allergensin other words, to triggers that aggravate asthma, food allergies and eczema.

Pregnancy affects eczema differently in women

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