Pregnancy Rash

Most expectant mothers are susceptible to pregnancy rash. As you know there are a lot of physical changes taking place in the woman's body during pregnancy. These hormonal changes also make the skin more sensitive. This sensitive skin is easily irritated and this causes rash during pregnancy. In most of the cases, this rash is harmless and not a cause for concern. However, there may be some cases where this rash can become a problem and hence needs to be shown to a dermatologist. There are a few pregnancy rashes that can happen during any time of the pregnancy. A woman may suffer from hives on the different parts of the body, rash on hand, rash on the stomach etc. The paragraphs given below will elaborate on the rash during pregnancy.

Pregnancy Skin Rash

There are several types of common skin rashes during pregnancy that a woman can suffer from. The list mentioned below will give the details about these rashes.

Melasma
These are brown in color and are found on the face, especially on the cheekbones. This is not a skin rash, per se. It's a type of skin pigmentation occurring as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy and due to certain medications administered during pregnancy. It lasts till the end of pregnancy and is not itchy or harmful. Melasma can be treated by using creams prescribed by the doctors.

Heat Rash
This is another common problem that pregnant women face. This irritating and itchy heat rash is caused due to a combination of the heat in the body due to pregnancy, perspiration and the rubbing of skin against the clothing. This rash is more apparent beneath the breasts and in the creases formed due to the bulge of the lower abdomen. It can also appear in the genital areas and on the thighs, especially the inner thigh. The treatments for this rash during pregnancy include taking cold water baths and using prickly heat creams prescribed by the doctors.

PUPPP
Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy or PUPPP is another common type of rashes during pregnancy. This rash appears on the abdomen, within the stretch marks, in an elevated form. This rash is common after the 34th week of the pregnancy and disappears after childbirth. Topical corticosteroids and prednisolone, oral corticosteroids, are the prescribed treatments for PUPPP.

Itchiness & Hives
In the second and the third trimesters, itching during pregnancy is very common. This is possible because the skin may become dry and itchy. This itchiness can start at one place and spread all over the body. This constant itching may result in hives during pregnancy. This itchiness and hives can be treated with natural ways like wearing cotton and loose-fitting clothes, taking oatmeal baths and applying lotions and moisturizers liberally on the itchy skin.

Apart from these, an expectant mother may get any of the below pregnancy rash.

• Papular Dermatitis - this is not very common. This rash is a red raised spot with a crust on the top and is extremely itchy. It does not appear in groups and can appear at any time in the course of pregnancy. It is usually treated with the help of corticosteroids.
• Impetigo Herpetiformis - this is another uncommon rash that is pus filled and appears in clusters. There are several symptoms accompanying this rash like fever and chills. This rash appears in the groin areas and the armpit area, with a burning sensation. Cortisone is the treatments for this kind of rash. It disappears after childbirth but, unfortunately leaves the scars behind.

A pregnant woman may or may not suffer from any of the above pregnancy rash. It is necessary to take prescribed medications to get rid of this rash during pregnancy.

Pregnancy Rash on Stomach

A pregnant woman gets rash on her stomach because the stomach expands to accommodate the baby. The skin stretches and this causes it to itch. The other reasons for this rash on the stomach is the hormonal changes that happen in the body of the woman. While bathing, it is recommended that the woman should use a mild soap and cold water. However, if bathing with cold water is not an option, then the woman should use tepid water for her bath. Hot water increases the itchiness in the skin and makes the skin redder and the rash may increase. She should thoroughly dry herself with a soft towel and apply some rash cream to soothe the itching. It is also recommended that she visit her doctor and dermatologist for consultations, if the rash increases and becomes unbearable.

Post Pregnancy Rash

Yes, it is possible for a pregnant woman to get rashes after delivery. The above mentioned rash PUPPP is one of the rashes that a pregnant woman might get after her delivery. Post pregnancy rash usually occurs on the lower part of the abdomen. They are not usually serious, just the hormones again. However, it is vital that the pregnant woman consult her doctor or a dermatologist for proper diagnoses and treatment for this rash.

Pregnancy rash is common during pregnancy and majority of the women get it. These rashes do not harm the baby or the mother. This does not mean that they can be left untreated or they can be ignored. They cause severe itchiness and this can be very irritating. Hence, it is always beneficial to ask the doctor to prescribe some medications in order to get rid of the rash during pregnancy.