Psoriasis, a noncontagious autoimmune disorder, appears on the skin. The most common type, plaque psoriasis, appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells. Psoriasis may appear on any part of the body. It is associated with other serious health conditions including diabetes and depression. Special considerations apply to pregnant women and nursing mothers with psoriasis.
Considerations
Many psoriasis treatments require special precautions before and during pregnancy. LivingWellWithPsoriasis.com recommends consulting with a health care professional to ensure that your psoriasis treatment plan is safe for pregnancy and nursing. Psoriasis may have a negative impact on quality of life through stigmatization. In some people, this affects interaction with peers, work and school situations, and even mood. The hormones of pregnancy and nursing may enhance these effects.
Effects
The hormonal and bodily changes that occur during pregnancy and nursing may cause changes in a woman's psoriasis. Changes range from improvement in the severity of psoriasis during pregnancy to worsening symptoms. The effects of pregnancy and nursing on a woman's psoriasis vary by individual and from pregnancy to pregnancy.
Caution
No woman should hesitate to breastfeed her newborn because of a previous history of psoriasis. This includes those who experience flare-ups during pregnancy or after childbirth. However, a woman undergoing systemic or local treatment on extensive areas of the skin may need to avoid breastfeeding. Some treatments may be transmitted to the infant through breast milk.
