Pregnancy is a condition experienced by a woman to conceive a child in her womb for approximately nine months. During this pregnancy, there are various medical condition that can be felt by pregnant women, one of which is about skin disorders during pregnancy. Problems with the skin in pregnant women can be caused by various factors, such as changes in body weight, blood circulation, changing hormone levels, and decreased of immune system.1 There are three categories of skin conditions during pregnancy, namely skin conditions related to hormones, conditions that have been existed before, and skin conditions that only occur during pregnancy.2
Here are some skin conditions that can occur during pregnancy:1,3
1. Dark Spots (Hyperpigmentation)
This condition is caused by increased natural melanin production. Hyperpigmentation will slowly heal after the delivery process. However, in some cases, this condition takes several months or years for the skin to return to normal.
2. Stretch Marks (Striae Gravidarum)
The most common skin condition experienced by women during pregnancy and is not dangerous. Generally, this condition occurs in the area of the breasts, abdomen and upper thighs. This condition can have differences in timing and severity in different people.
3. Pregnancy Acne
This condition is caused by the high production of androgen hormones during pregnancy. These hormones can cause an increase in the production of sebum produced by the oil glands so that the sebum closes the skin pores and causes acne and even exacerbates the acne condition.
4. Varicose veins
This condition is one of the vascular changes in pregnant women. These changes are caused by the adjustment of the pregnant woman's body in supplying blood to the fetus. This condition is marked by the presence of blue streaks that are generally seen on the feet and legs.
5. Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques (PUPPP)
This condition affects less than 1% of pregnant women (about 1 in 160 to 300), but PUPPP is the most common pregnancy-specific skin disorder. PUPPP starts as small, raised spots that resemble pimples and can develop into larger patches of rash. PUPPP can be very itchy, but usually goes away soon after delivery.
6. Prurigo of Pregnancy (PP)
Each trimester of pregnancy is associated with prurigo, which affects an average of one in 300 pregnancies. Prolonged PP is considered a benign pruritic papular rash that can last for weeks or even months. It is not known what causes prurigo associated with pregnancy.
Treatment of Skin Disorders during Pregnancy2,4
Some actions that can be taken to treat skin disorders during pregnancy are as follows:
1. Limit sun exposure, especially from 10 am to 2 pm.
2. Use sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to reduce the symptoms of melasma.
3. For PUPPP, apply cold compresses using a wet cloth on the affected area and wearing loose and light clothing.
4. Avoid using soap on skin areas that experience PUPPP.
5. For stretch marks, the exact treatment is not yet known. However, laser treatments or prescription creams can help get rid of postpartum stretch marks.
6. Clean your face at least twice a day to avoid acne.
7. Avoid squeezing or removing pus on pimples.
8. For varicose veins, limit periods of sitting and standing activity.
9. Exercise regularly.
10. Avoiding hormonal therapy during pregnancy.
Reference:
1. Merry Dame Cristy Pane. 4 Masalah Kulit yang Sering Terjadi saat Hamil dan Cara Mengatasinya. Last review on October 24, 2022. Available at: https://www.alodokter.com/4-masalah-kulit-yang-kerap-terjadi-saat-hamil-dan-cara-mengatasinya
2. Brunilda Nazario. Skin Conditions During Pregnancy. Last review on September 14, 2020. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/baby/skin-conditions-pregnancy
3. Errick Y. Arroyo. Common Skin Conditions While Pregnant. Last review on September 30, 2021. Available at: https://www.kcobgyn.com/blog/common-skin-conditions-while-pregnant
4. Valinda Riggins Nwadike. Which Skin Conditions Occur during Pregnancy?. Last review on November 9, 2022 Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/305605