Skin Problems During PREGNANCY-Remedy please.

Hi Yashkushi
I am Akila, caryying my baby. This is my 8th month. For last 2days I am having red spots on my thighs & knees. I feel like itching also. I dont know what mishppened in myroutine activities. want to get rid of this problem at the earliest. I tried most of your tips & suited my hair, body & face well That's why I am particularly asking tip from you. I am using dettol liquid in my bathing water, dettol soap only.

Hi Alka,
I am not Yashikushi (Saroj) but still thought I will share my experience.

I had the same problem during the last month of my second pregnancy too. I never heard of this problem from any other pregnent woman and so consulted my OBGYN here. I got the them on my tummy. She said it is not uncommon that during the last month when my tummy grew big, it was not elastic enough to expand that much. She said I can apply lotion (any body lotion) on that area and told me not to scratch at all. The thing that really helped me was aloevera gel. It was there for a couple of weeks. When the itch was more, I used to put a lot of talcum powder on that area. This really helped me with the itch. I hope this helps. Good luck with your pregnency. Lets see what Yashi will come back with as she is so knowledgeable.

regards,
Shanti.

Akila am right here .Just wait for a couple of hours.Please.

Akila.First of all my heartiest congrats on your happiest motherhood feel on the earth.
During pregnancy, skin changes are common. Many of these skin changes are normal in pregnancy and should not be mistaken for a rash or skin disorder. Any skin disorder can appear during pregnancy. Causes of rashes include allergies, medicines, insect bites, skin infections etc…..



Normal skin changes during pregnancy
The most common skin changes in pregnancy are:
1. The "pregnancy glow."
2. Melasma/Chloasma: brown, clearly defined patches on the face, typically on the cheekbones and forehead.
3. Darkening of the nipples and external genitals (pubic area).
4. Dark areas become darker: Darkening of existing moles.
5. Linea nigra: a dark line that appears on the abdomen, running straight down from the umbilicus (belly button).
6. Striae gravidarum (stretch marks of pregnancy): red lines or bands that can appear on the abdomen during pregnancy, or the breasts after breastfeeding, which later become white, smooth, shiny and flattened.
7. SpiderVeins:tiny, squiggly red or purple capillaries just below the surface of the skin to branch out and become more obvious.
8. Varicose (swollen) veins can appear on the legs.
9. An increase in the number of skin tags (small, harmless skin outgrowths that occur especially on the neck, but can be found on any part of body).
10. Acne can worsen.
11.Red palms and soles: The increased color is nothing more than a curiosity of pregnancy.
12. Heat rash: Caused by the combination of an already overheated pregnant body, dampness from excessive perspiration, and the friction of skin rubbing against itself or against clothing.


Abnormal skin conditions in pregnancy
Skin disorders that occur during pregnancy can be:
1. Rashes specific to pregnancy, called specific dermatoses (skin disorders) of pregnancy.
2. Non-specific rashes that could occur at any time.
3. Itching without rash.
These disorders can cause harm to mother and baby, so seek medical advice if you spot any skin changes that seem abnormal. Itching without rash can be normal or abnormal in pregnancy. Advice should be sought if itching occurs after the first trimester (three months) of pregnancy, or if it keeps getting worse.




Why do skin changes occur during pregnancy?
Pregnancy causes changes in blood hormone levels mainly an increase in oestrogen levels and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). .

If the hormone changes during the pregnancy period can bring a glow on your face, the same hormonal change can also lead to few skin problems like pregnancy marks, hyper pigmentation, pimples, acne, rashes, itchiness, and even heat rashes. And the most common by-product of pregnancy is stretch marks- a fact known by almost all women.


Are these skin changes permanent or harmful?
Most of these changes disappear within a few months after the baby is born, but tend to reappear in subsequent pregnancies. Striae gravidarum do not disappear completely, but in time they become less noticeable.
Except for affecting the mother's appearance (cosmetic effects), these skin changes do not harm mother or baby in any way.


And self medication is best avoidable. So my humble opinion is to immediately consult your DGO/Obstetrician at once .Follow their counsels.

Follow these points along with your medication prescribed by your physician.
1. Avoid scratching or rubbing itchy areas as this worsens the problem. Keep finger nails short to prevent skin damage from scratching.

2. Wear loose, light and cool nightwear. Do not use thick, rough clothing like wool over itchy areas.

3. Take bath with lukewarm water. Avoid hot showers and baths, which can dry out your skin and make the itching worse. Use mild soap and be sure to rinse it off well and towel off lightly.

4. Apply a soothing lotion OR slather on an unscented moisturizer — (some scents can cause irritation.) on to the skin after bath.

5. Avoid exposure to heat and humidity.

6. Keep your body and affected areas dry and clean at all times. Moisture can worsen itching.

7. Apply any one of these: Aloe Vera gel /Olive oil/ vitamin E oil/ wheat germ oil/ Vasseline or witch hazel tea to the itchy area.

8.Coconut oil is an excellent remedy for itchy skin. It provides a cooling effect to the skin and provides relief from itches. Can apply before/after taking bath.

9.Instead of Dettol soap and liquid can use some herbal ones which is readily available in your locality.(as dettol itself causes allergy during harmonal change phase)


I have given the basic knowledge about the skin changes occurring during pregnancy. By going through hope your doubts are lessened to some extent. Nothing to worry. Keep your mind and heart free form any sort of vexations. Praying and wishing for a safe obstetrical delivery.

Thank you so much Akila & Sinvid for the reliability up on me.


PS- Changing the tittle of this thread as Skin problems during Pregnancy. So that will be a futile one for our fellowlites who are sailing in the same boat.

Dear Yashikushi & Saroja
Thanks a lot......I'll take it up in my mind.....Thanks for caring & wishing.

Dear Yashi,
Amazing. You have given a detailed explaination. Right from the causes to remedies. Only the expert like you can answer it. I'm just a book worm. . Its great to have you here. A doctor.
Keep rocking.

Oh Shel.Thanks a lot for the additional grade.
Since am a science student have little knowledge about the health facts and ofcourse me too referred the medical books.Heeeeeeee

The most common skin changes in pregnancy are:
1. The "pregnancy glow."
2. Melasma/Chloasma: brown, clearly defined patches on the face, typically on the cheekbones and forehead.
3. Darkening of the nipples and external genitals (pubic area).
4. Dark areas become darker: Darkening of existing moles.
5. Linea nigra: a dark line that appears on the abdomen, running straight down from the umbilicus (belly button).
6. Striae gravidarum (stretch marks of pregnancy): red lines or bands that can appear on the abdomen during pregnancy, or the breasts after breastfeeding, which later become white, smooth, shiny and flattened.
7. SpiderVeins:tiny, squiggly red or purple capillaries just below the surface of the skin to branch out and become more obvious.
8. Varicose (swollen) veins can appear on the legs.
9. An increase in the number of skin tags (small, harmless skin outgrowths that occur especially on the neck, but can be found on any part of body).
10. Acne can worsen.
11.Red palms and soles: The increased color is nothing more than a curiosity of pregnancy.
12. Heat rash: Caused by the combination of an already overheated pregnant body, dampness from excessive perspiration, and the friction of skin rubbing against itself or against clothing.