What is this minging rash? Warning: Horrid Photos Included!

[cherryontopp]

So I'm 9 weeks pregnant and for the past week I have had some kind of break out. While I've always had acne, it has never been this bad not since I was 15!
This is my first pregnancy so i don't know what the norm is..but surely this cant be normal?!

Is anything I can use for it? Do I need to get it checked out?

It could well be acne from the pregnancy hormones. But I would consult a HCP if you're concerned.

Yes pregnancy hormones cause all sorts of dramatic changes. Including acne for some people.

Oh man, is there not anything I can take to settle it?

I had this too during pregnancy. It stopped after a few weeks and then returned with a vengeance after DS was born. I'm left with terrible acne scars around my torso (sorry to be the harbinger of doom!), but I'm sure someone will be able to tell you how to deal with that! Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Benzoyl Peroxide is probably the best treatment for hormonal acne. You can buy it over the counter (Boots, Superdrug, Tescos) so you can ask the pharmacist's advice and get them to check your spots. It is safe to use topically when pregnant.

Acnecide gel is a decent Benzoyl Peroxide gel. It kills off the bacteria which causes the spots. Apply a thin layer and give it a week to start working.

Your acne should settle down. My hair and skin looked amazing after the first trimester. Some people say spots in pregnancy are a sign you're having a girl. I've no idea if that's true though!

Hope it clears up soon

Acnecide says to consult a doctor before using when pregnant.
I had similar rashes for basically the whole of my first trimester. It wasn't pretty! It did eventually clear up on its own. There's not really anything you can take, all I wanted was a piraton.

I did check before using Acnecide. It was deemed fine by my gp as the active ingredients are absorbed into your body in miniscule amounts, if at all.
But fair point, Urgle. It's probably worth checking anyway and getting a definite diagnosis..

Might be worth having your liver checked

Looks normal to me! I still have terrible skin in the 2nd trimester ☹️
Hope it clears up for you.

Thanks ladies, I'll have to nip to the pharmacy and see what they can give me. I have heard benzoyl is good but didn't know if you could take it while pregnant.
Urgle ive been tempted to take piriton as ive got hayfever and it's driving me mad.

ILost, yeah, my GP said similar but I'd still check. You also have to wash it off before breastfeeding (if applying to your chest obviously).

One of the things I'm most looking forward to is antihistamines! I currently have shingles and would KILL for some relief.

Shingles is agony. You have my sympathy.