Pregnancy and Hair Loss

Article by HairlossTalk.com

Skin conditions during pregnancy

Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) is the most common skin condition of pregnancy, occurring in the third trimester. It is characterized by small red bumps and hives, and when severe, the bumps form large patches. This rash usually develops on the abdomen, and spreads to the thighs, buttocks, breasts and arms. Slight itching from PUPPP may cause mild discomfort. However, PUPPP does disappear after delivery. Anti-itching topical medications, antihistamines and topical corticosteroids can be used to control the itching.

Stretch marks develop in more than 90 percent of women during the sixth and seventh months of pregnancy. These occur in response to the pulling and stretching forces in the underlying layers of skin during gestation. They most often occur as pink or purple bands on the abdomen and sometimes on the breasts and thighs. While common in Caucasian women, stretch marks are uncommon in African American women. "Exercise and the use of lotions or creams with alpha hydroxy acids can be used to prevent striae," said Dr. Kroumpouzos. "The use of retinoid products can also be used to fade the marks, but usually some silvery discoloration remains."

Although not related to the herpes virus, herpes gestationis, also known as pemphigoid gestationis, is the most well-defined dermatosis of pregnancy and the most important to diagnose. Herpes gestationis is characterized by blisters on the abdomen during the second trimester, and in severe cases, the blisters can be very expansive. Herpes gestationis usually resolves during the later parts of pregnancy and will flare at the time of delivery. The condition usually disappears in the weeks and months following delivery, may reappear with menses or with subsequent use of oral contraceptives. Treatment includes oral or topical corticosteroids.

Prurigo of pregnancy consists of very itchy, tiny bumps that can appear almost anywhere on the skin. This condition can appear during any trimester, with a few bumps appearing and increasing in number each day. It usually remains for several months, and may even persist postpartum. Reoccurrence during subsequent pregnancies is variable. Treatment usually includes topical corticosteroids and antihistamines.

Skin diseases affected by pregnancy

"Pregnant women with certain skin diseases are more likely to experience an aggravation, or less often, an improvement in their condition," said Dr. Kroumpouzos.

Women with atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin disease causing itchy, irritating skin lesions, are likely to see a worsening of the condition during pregnancy. The condition may also develop for the first time during pregnancy.

Psoriasis is more likely to improve than worsen during pregnancy. Psoriasis is a chronic genetic skin disorder characterized by raised, thickened patches of red skin covered with silvery-white scales that can affect any part of the body. This improvement may be attributed to the high levels of interleukin-10 in pregnancy, a protein that is released by one cell to regulate the function of another.

"It's important for women to speak with their dermatologists if they notice any of these changes," said Dr. Kroumpouzos. "Though the origin of many of these conditions remain unknown, there are many treatment options available that will relieve discomfort and anxiety, and lead to a more relaxed pregnancy."

HLT

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