Skin problems during pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through a multitude of physiological changes. Your skin is also prone to these effects. These changes can affect the skin, especially the cutis [the dermis and the epidermis layers]. Cutaneous changes develop in more than 90% of all pregnant women. These include common cutaneous changes that occur in most cases to severe diseases, some of which are seen exclusively in the pregnancy and postpartum phases.
Some of the common skin problems during pregnancy are:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Stretch marks
- Skin tags
- Acne
- Melasma [brown patches on the face around the cheeks, nose, and forehead]
- Spider veins
- Varicose veins
- Linea nigra—a dark line that runs from the navel to the pubic region
Other less common skin conditions during pregnancy includes prurigo of pregnancy, pemphigoid gestationis, and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).
Prurigo of pregnancy
Prurigo of pregnancy can occur in up to 1 in 300 pregnancies. Prurigo of pregnancy is a benign non-specific pruritic (itchy) rash that arises during pregnancy. Symptoms of prurigo of pregnancy include tiny, itchy bumps resembling insect bites and are typically caused by pregnancy-induced changes to the immune system. It can affect women throughout their pregnancy with symptoms getting worse with each passing day.
Pemphigoid gestationis
Pemphigoid gestationis is a rare pregnancy-associated autoimmune skin disease that is characterized by an itchy rash that develops into blisters. It is most common during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a liver disorder that occurs in pregnant women. This condition causes severe itchiness (pruritus) in the expectant mother. The itchiness usually begins on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet and then spreads to other parts of the body. Occasionally, affected women have yellowing of the skin
How to fight skin problems during pregnancy?
Being pregnant is one of the most special times in a woman’s life. Most of the skin problems during pregnancy are common and will pass. If they don’t pass and bother you, The Skin Clinic is here to help you.
Management of pregnancy dermatoses is typically co-ordinated between a dermatologist and an obstetrician. 
At The Skin Clinic, our team of dermatologists pool in their expertise with the latest technologies and advanced formulations to provide your skin with the best care, you deserve. We give major consideration for the safety of the unborn baby during any treatment for symptoms of pregnancy dermatoses.
When do skin problems during pregnancy clear up?
Most skin conditions resolve postpartum and only require symptomatic treatment. However, there are specific treatments for some conditions. Hence, proper evaluation and monitoring is recommended for patients with specific skin problems of pregnancy.
As special as it is, it is not always easy dealing with pregnancy amidst constant precautions and preparations. So leave the additional burden of dealing with skin issues during pregnancy to us. We at The Skin Clinic excel at it. If you are going to enter the beautiful phase of motherhood soon and are worried about your skin problems, book an appointment with us and focus on giving your baby your undivided attention.