Many women develop skin rashes or itchy skin during their pregnancy, especially on their abdomens. There are a number of skin conditions associated with pregnancy, including pruritic urticarial papules and plaques. Although irritating, most skin rashes are harmless and can be easily treated. In rare cases, you might have a more serious condition, such as pemphigoid gestationis or impetigo herpetiformis, which can affect your baby. If you think this might be the case, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy
Often called PUPPP, this occurs in roughly one in 200 pregnancies. Symptoms usually appear late in pregnancy and include small, itchy, red bumps and hives. It usually starts on your abdomen, and can spread to your legs, thighs and buttocks. This has no adverse effects on you and your baby, and usually disappears after giving birth. You can treat the symptoms with oral antihistamines and corticosteroid cream. An oatmeal bath and aloe vera cream also can help relieve the itching.
Prurigo of Pregnancy
If you have tiny, itchy bumps that resemble mosquito bites, you might have prurigo of pregnancy. This can occur anywhere on your body and last for several months, even after your baby is born. There are no adverse effects, and you can treat it with topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines.
Pemphigoid Gestationis
This is a rare skin condition that occurs during the second and third trimester, and might linger after giving birth. The rash usually develops near your belly button and spreads to your arms and legs, but can occurs anywhere on your body. It's a type of autoimmune disorder, caused by antibodies attacking your body. In some cases, it can lead to premature delivery, or a baby who's small for its gestational age. Your baby also might be born with a skin rash. If you think you have this condition, your doctor can prescribe oral or topical corticosteroids to treat it.
Impetigo Herpetiformis
This is a very rare but serious condition that can affect fetal mortality. Symptoms include pustules, or pus-filled bumps, and red skin on your thighs and groin. The rash can spread to your trunk and extremities, although your face, hands and feet usually are not affected. Your doctor can prescribe systemic corticosteroids and antibiotics to treat this. Because of the additional risks for your baby, your doctor will monitor your pregnancy closely.
Pruritic Folliculitis
You might develop a rash consisting of red pustules and papules -- small, round bumps -- in hair follicles on your abdomen, arms, chest, and back. This usually develops in the second or third trimester and has no harmful effects. You can treat it with corticosteroid cream, topical benzoyl peroxide such as Benzac, or ultraviolet B light therapy.
Other Skin Conditions
If you already have a skin condition, such as atopic dermatitis, it might worsen when you're pregnant, but some skin conditions might improve, including psoriasis, a chronic condition that causes raised patches of red skin. If you're using any medication, check with your doctor if it's safe to use during pregnancy. Normal hormonal changes also can cause benign skin conditions such as stretch marks and melasma, or hyper-pigmentation. If you notice changes in your symptoms while pregnant, talk to your doctor.
References
- American Pregnancy Association; Skin Changes During Pregnancy; March 2007
- American College of Gynecologists and Obstretricians; Skin Conditions During Pregnancy; 2011
- American Academy of Family Physicians; Common Skin Conditions During Pregnancy; 2007
- Office of Rare Diseases Research: Pemphigoid Gestationis
