Psoriasis is an immune system disorder that causes red and scaly patches on the skin. Psoriasis is not contagious; it is a mix-up in the signals that are sent from the immune system to the skin's cell growth cycles. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, people with the condition are at risk for developing other diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease and diabetes. While psoriasis doesn't affect the reproductive system, treatments for the disease during pregnancies can cause birth defects.
Step 1
Switch to over-the-counter lubricants to relieve the itching and redness of psoriasis during pregnancy. Products such as petroleum jelly can provide soothing comfort while eliminating the risks that come with prescription topical medications.
Step 2
Limit the amount of topical prescription steroids that you use if you must them for severe outbreaks. Keep steroid topical ointment away from the nipples if you are nursing. Topical psoriasis medications that contain retinoids have proven to cause birth defects.
Step 3
Use UVB light treatments for psoriasis outbreaks during pregnancy. Cover your face with sunscreen to prevent melasma, a condition common in pregnant women that causes brown spots to appear on the face.
Step 4
Rub outbreaks of psoriasis with products that contain coal tar. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that although the cream is messy and carries a strong odor, it is one of the oldest treatments for psoriasis. Coal tar can reduce itching, scaling and inflammation that creates lesions.
Step 5
Take warm baths with added colloidal oatmeal, Epsom salts or bath oil. Soak for 15 minutes in a lukewarm bath to calm inflamed skin and ease the itching. Use mild soap that is infused with oils or fats.
Step 6
Wrap the affected areas at night. Lather an oily moisturizer on psoriasis outbreaks and wrap in plastic wrap. Uncover the skin in the morning and wash off the scales and flaky skin in the shower.
Tips and Warnings
- Doctors at the National Psoriasis Foundation report that many women find their psoriasis clears up naturally during pregnancy because of the body's elevated immunity to protect the baby.
- Avoid all systemic medications, drugs that treat the whole body. Both topical medications, such as cyclosporine and methotraxate, and oral medicine that contain retinoids, should be avoided completely during pregnancy and when trying to get pregnant.
Things You'll Need
- Petroleum jelly
- Mineral oil
- UVB light treatments
- Coal tar
