There’s a “pregnancy glow” that you hear mentioned with women well into their pregnancy. Unfortunately, not all skin is equal and while some may be vibrant and glowing, others might be battling acne, splotchy skin, and sometimes even an itchy rash around the stretch marks on your belly.
Don’t get us wrong, pregnancy can definitely be a beautiful experience but the truth is, your body is going through some intense hormone changes and strange symptoms are fairly common. Skin issues are common during pregnancy and PUPPPs, Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy are the most common rash associated with them.
PUPPP Rash
This common rash is identified by the red itchy patches that surface around a woman’s stretch marks. It’s most often seen during the end of a pregnancy when your belly is stretched to the max. The rash can spread to your buttocks, legs, and arms.
The PUPPP rashes are harmless but nonetheless annoying. Steroid cream is usually prescribed if you can’t handle the frustrating itching sensation. The rash usually goes away once the baby is born.
Linea Nigra & “Mask of Pregnancy”
These benign conditions are caused by a surge of pregnancy hormones that increase pigmentation. Melasma aka the “Mask of Pregnancy” causes dark splotches on the face. Linea nigra is a dark line that can form between the pubic area and belly button during a pregnancy. Neary 75% or pregnant women have the mask of pregnancy and 90% will notice linea nigra.
Stretch Marks
We’ve yet to meet a woman that doesn’t have at least one or two stretch marks left over after pregnancy. You know, those growth streaks that run down the belly, hips, and breasts. Gaining rapid weight and then losing it causes the stretch marks. No worries though because you can take preventative steps to help avoid or lower the chances of stretch marks. Aftercare also helps.
Acne
All those hormones all riled up can lead to outbreaks of acne. The oil glands secrete more oil than normal and cause acne. You can clean your face with over-the-counter skin care products. The proper skincare treatments during and after pregnancy can be the key to healthy skin thereafter.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are small loose growths of skin that can show up during pregnancy. Typically, they appear under the arms and breasts. There’s nothing you can do to prevent them from growing but after your delivery you can have them removed.
Cholestasis of Pregnancy
Cholestasis of pregnancy is a liver disease that stems from high amounts of pregnancy hormones that affect the normal flow of bile in the gallbladder.
This condition arises during the third trimester and can cause a severely itchy rash that covers the entire body. It’s the worst on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. Cholestasis may be accompanied by jaundice.
Your body is going through or has gone through some massive changes during pregnancy. Skin conditions are, more often than not, annoying and frustrating. However, it’s still important to let your doctor know that you’re experiencing any kind of rash so they can monitor it and keep you and the baby safe. Not to mention, they will give you something to help provide some much needed relief.
