Pregnancy can have a big impact on your skin. If you're lucky, you'll get that famous glow. But many women experience some unpleasant changes in their skin during pregnancy, including darkening often called the "mask of pregnancy" or a dark line stretching from the pubic area to the lower chest. Other changes include stretch marks, visible blood vessels, and reddened palms.
According to David J. Leffell, MD, head of dermatologic surgery at Yale School of Medicine, 90% of pregnant women experience skin color darkening. In his book, Total Skin , Dr. Leffell says current theory suggests that hormonal changes stimulate skin darkening. This hyperpigmentation is usually in areas that are already heavily colored, including the nipples and areola, armpits, and genitals. Possible changes related to darkening include the following:
If you're prone to acne, says Dr. Jaliman, then "during the first three months, your skin may be the worst it's ever been." But after the third month, she says, the skin tends to clear.
Barbara R. Reed, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, believes over-the-counter acne creams and lotions are fine for pregnant women. Some prescription creams and lotions are also safe. But, she cautions, "Stay away from oral drugs if you can."
Discuss all prescription creams with your doctor before using them. Accutane, an oral drug for cases of severe cystic acne, should never be taken if pregnancy is a possibility, because it is known to cause serious birth defects.
Blood circulation increases during pregnancy, and can cause the following changes in your skin:
Sorry. No matter what kind of cream or lotion you slather on, if you're going to get stretch marks, you'll get them. "There's no prevention," Dr. Jaliman explains, "because stretch marks are a break in the elastic tissue (of the skin)." She adds that no one can predict who will get these pinkish lines, which occur most often on the breasts, abdomen, buttocks, and hips.
Eventually, long after childbirth, stretch marks may fade and become less noticeable. If you haven't learned to live with yours after your baby has been weaned, talk to your dermatologist, who may treat them with laser therapy or with the prescription topical treatment Retin-A.
Moles may enlarge or darken during pregnancy and return to normal after delivery. But watch for signs of melanoma. Don't hesitate to have your doctor check suspicious growths. Dr. Leffell says that if any moles change significantly, a biopsy should be performed.
There are some rare yet serious skin conditions unique to pregnancy. See your doctor for any rash symptoms, including:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.com
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://www.sogc.org/index_e.asp
Dermatologists.ca
http://www.dermatologists.ca/index.html
References
Leffell DJ. Total Skin . Hyperion; 2000.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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