SKIN CONDITIONS DURING PREGNANCY
What causes dark patches during pregnancy?
During pregnancy many women notice dark patches on their breasts, their nipples and the inner thighs. These darker areas are caused by an increase in melanin in the body. Melanin is a natural substance responsible for the colour of skin and hair. More than 90% of pregnant women will develop these dark patches, although women with darker skin types may notice them more readily.
What is chloasma?
The brownish marks that appear around the eyes, the nose and the cheeks are called chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy. Prolonged exposure to the sun makes chloasma darker. These darker areas are harmless and usually fade a few months after the birth. They are unlikely to disappear completely, however. If you notice any new or rapidly changing dark spot or mole, show it to your doctor straight away.
What is the linea nigra?
Some women also notice a faint dark line running from the middle of the abdomen down to the pubic bone. This line is called the linea nigra. It is a line that is already there, but before pregnancy it is the same colour as the skin and is not visible.
What are stretch marks?
As your abdomen and breasts grow during pregnancy, the skin in these areas is likely to stretch a good deal and develop reddish lines. These marks appear when the skin stretches quickly to accommodate the growing baby. By the third trimester almost every woman will have stretch marks on her abdomen, buttocks, breasts or thighs. There are few ways of preventing them or making them disappear.
How can I reduce the appearance of stretch marks?
There are many creams, lotions and solid oils on the market that claim to prevent stretch marks. There is no evidence, however, that these treatments work. Using a rich moisturizer may help keep your skin soft, but it will not get rid of stretch marks. Applying a fake tan lotion can also help disguise the marks. Most marks will gradually become less noticeable after the birth, although some may remain.
What changes to the hair are likely during pregnancy?
Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase hair growth. Many pregnant women notice that their hair becomes thicker. Quite often, hair also appears in places on the body where there is not normally any, such as the face, chest and arms. This type of hair growth is called hirsutism and is caused by the changes in the body's hormones. Hair growth returns to normal within 6 months of the birth.
What changes to the nails are likely during pregnancy?
Nail growth, like hair growth, can change in pregnancy. Some women notice that their nails grow faster. Others, by contrast, find that their nails tend to break more easily. As with the changes to the hair, changes to the nails disappear after the birth.
What causes spider veins during pregnancy?
The increased volume of blood in your body during pregnancy can cause changes in your blood vessels. Tiny red veins known as spider veins may appear on your skin. They usually appear during the first half of pregnancy. Here too, the redness can be expected to fade after the birth.
What are varicose veins?
The weight and pressure of your uterus can slow the flow of blood from the lower part of your body and cause swollen, painful, blue veins in your legs. These are called varicose veins. They can also appear in the vagina and the rectum, where they are usually called hemorrhoids. In most cases varicose veins are not a problem.
How common are pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy?
Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) occur in 1 in 200 pregnant women. The small red bumps and hives usually appear later in pregnancy. The bumps can form large patches that itch intensely. They usually start on the abdomen and can spread to the thighs, buttocks and breasts. PUPPP goes away after you give birth. In the meantime your doctor can prescribe an anti-itch cream or a steroid cream to stop the itching.
What are the effects of prurigo of pregnancy?
With prurigo of pregnancy, itching and tiny bumps that look like insect bites appear almost anywhere on the body. This condition can appear at any time during pregnancy and usually begins with a few bumps, which increase every day. Prurigo can last several months and may continue for a short time after the baby is born. It is usually treated with medication.
What is pemphigoid gestationis?
Pemphigoid gestationis is a rare skin condition that usually begins in the second or third trimester, or sometimes just after a woman gives birth. In this condition blisters appear on the abdomen and, in severe cases, the blisters can cover a large area of the body. Sometimes the condition returns in future pregnancies. If your doctor diagnoses pemphigoid gestationis after examining your blisters, you and your baby should be monitored closely during the later part of pregnancy. Your doctor may also give you medication to control the outbreak of blisters and to help relieve the discomfort. Adding oatmeal to your bathwater and using special anti-itch creams can also help.
What is cholestasis of pregnancy?
Cholestasis is the commonest liver condition that occurs only during pregnancy. The main symptom is intense itching of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, which can also spread to the trunk. Symptoms usually begin in the third trimester but often settle a few days after the birth. Cholestasis can, however, return in future pregnancies. If your doctor diagnoses the condition after blood tests, you and your baby will be monitored closely during the third trimester. Cholestasis can increase the risk of preterm birth and of other problems, including fetal death.