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Many women will experience changes in their skin during pregnancy - most of these changes are termed 'physiological', which means they are entirely normal and indeed associated with being pregnant. These include:
- hyperpigmentation - or darkening - of the nipples and genital area.
- Linea Nigra - a dark, sometimes hairy, line which runs from the belly button to the pubic area.
- Striae Gravidarum -stretch marks around the abdomen as it expands. These usually start off pink and become white or shiny after delivery.
- varicose veins on the legs.
Pregnant mums can also be affected by the rashes which affect any patient, such as eczema and psoriasis. Moisturiser creams such as Calamine lotion are safe to use to sooth the skin. Your doctor will advise regarding steroid creams.
There are a few distinct rashes which occur only in pregnancy and are termed specific dermatoses of pregnancy. These include:
PUPPP (Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy)
This is the most common skin condition in pregnancy and essentially the name refers to red, raised itchy bumps which appear on the abdomen and thighs. It usually occurs late in pregnancy, but causes no harm to mother or baby. Topical steroid cream will help to reduce the inflammation and itch.
Prurigo Gestationis
This rash appears as red itchy dots mostly spread across the arms, legs and trunk. The rash can appear in mid- or late pregnancy. Simple antihistamine therapy will relieve the itch and the rash will disappear within a few weeks after delivery.
Mum can also suffer from itching without a rash - this is called pruritis and can occur as a result of mild jaundice. Mum may notice some yellow discolouration of the eyes and skin. This is due to intrahepatic cholestasis - the liver does not process bile quite so efficiently in pregnancy and so the breakdown products can build up in the skin, causing jaundice and itch.
If you have any unusual rashes or skin changes it is always best to seek medical advice. "