𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲: 𝐃𝐫 𝐄𝐤𝐭𝐚 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐦 & 𝐃𝐫 𝐍𝐮𝐩𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐚

Dr Nupur Gupta and Dr Ekta Nigam discuss that skin changes that develop during pregnancy can be managed with right diagnosis.

Pregnancy is a cherished journey and the ‘rosy glow’ is much admired but pigmentation, blotches, bumps, mask (melisma), stretch marks and skin rashes are also visible. Due to increased production of growth factors, there is increased blood flow leading to rosy glow or spider angiomas (broken blood vessels)

Types of Skin Rashes

1. One of the commonest rash seen is Pruritic Uriticarial Papules and Plaques of pregnancy (PUPP).
2. Second, viral rash can be associated with herpes labialis/genitalis or herpes zoster and chicken pox. However, baby is usually safe as the virus does not cross the placenta.
3. Intrahepatic Cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) can cause high bile acids & deranged liver enzymes causing itching and increased risk of fetal distress. For severe itching, cold compresses, antihistamines, soothing lotions like lacto-calamine, cocoa butter or oatmeal butter can be applied.
4. Summer induced heat rashes can be managed by moisturizers, staying hydrated and using cold compresses.
5. Fungal infections are common in pregnant women; anti-fungal creams and powders are advised but not oral antifungals.
6. Dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema are chronic skin conditions that may be present prior to conception. In such cases, alternative treatment is planned other than steroids & retinods.

To conclude, home remedies are temporary solutions to skin issues in pregnancy: any rash or itch during pregnancy must not be ignored.