Psoriasis, a lifelong skin disease, affects more than 5 million adults in the United States, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease website. With psoriasis, the body has a faulty immune system that makes skin cells overproduce, pile up and cause a build-up of scales that take the form of red patches with a silvery covering.
Treatments
Whether psoriasis becomes better or worse with pregnancy depends on the individual. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation website, many doctors recommend pregnant women avoid psoriasis treatments altogether if possible. However, if this is not possible, the safest forms of treatment should be used. They include certain topical medications and ultraviolet-B, or UVB, phototherapy, notes the same website. The National Psoriasis Foundation's booklet titled "Conception, Pregnancy and Psoriasis," notes that although the medications anthralin, calcipotriene and topical steroids do not present clear evidence of contributing to birth defects, it is best to avoid them during pregnancy if possible. Pregnant women should consult their doctor about the safest treatment.
Warning
There are some psoriasis medications that have risks that outweigh the benefits. The National Psoriasis Foundation notes Methotrexate as one. This medication can cause miscarriages or fetal malformations. The foundation suggests that both men and women should discontinue using this drug at least 12 weeks before trying to conceive a baby.
Considerations
For some couples, planning a pregnancy around psoriasis flare-ups may be helpful. For example, if a woman is in remission for several months after ultraviolet therapy, it might be a good time to plan conception, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.
