Eczema Creams: What's Safe During Pregnancy?

Mild, moderate, and potent topical steroids are safe to use in short treatment bursts of up to two weeks during pregnancy for those suffering from eczema. If your eczema becomes very severe, other treatment options are available, prescribed under the specialized care of a dermatologist. In most cases, pregnancy-induced eczema can be managed with moisturizers and ointments. If your eczema is severe enough, your doctor may prescribe a steroid ointment to apply to your skin. Topical steroids seem to be safe during pregnancy, but it is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor.

They can help you understand your treatment options and the associated risks. There is some evidence that UV light therapy can also help eliminate eczema. According to Murase, topical steroids are safe to use during pregnancy, especially at low to medium potency levels. As in pregnancy, there is a major change in the body from Th1 to Th2 immunity, which makes older adults, both men and women, more vulnerable to outbreaks of eczema, even after many years without symptoms. Eczema is not associated with any fertility problems and will not cause long-term complications for you or your baby.

Treating eczema during pregnancy can be difficult because many of the medicines can harm the developing fetus. Staphylococcus aureus colonizes more than 90% of eczema lesions, 19 but the presence of increased pain or swelling, impetigo-like crusting or inflammatory papules may suggest an active infection. Doctors are not yet completely sure what causes eczema, but environmental and genetic factors are thought to play an important role. Although the symptoms of eczema are quite different, you can confuse them with similar skin rashes, bumps, or redness. Eczema outbreaks are the result of different environmental and internal triggers, and pregnancy appears to be one of them, according to a previous study published in The BMJ.

The worsening of eczema symptoms during pregnancy has been linked to the influence of female sex hormones, specifically estrogen, on the woman's immune system. Dr. The reason for eczema eruptions in pregnancy may be due to an increase in active white blood cells called “lymphocytes” T auxiliaries. Where you live and what you are exposed to can also affect eczema, including cold and humid weather, stress, pollution, tobacco smoke, and even metals (your rings, if they still fit, can start to irritate you). Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is characterized by red, scaly skin that sometimes also shows tiny cracks or blisters. While research has shown that probiotics are generally safe during pregnancy, it's always important to evaluate what is best for your body specifically.

Some studies suggest greater heritability of eczema through the maternal route than through the paternal route, although others do not. Many women with eczema experience flare-ups during pregnancy and management should take into account the possible effects of some treatments on the fetus. Eczema affects about 1 in 10 people and is most commonly seen in black and Asian Americans. It usually begins in childhood and has no known cure. The reason for eczema eruptions in pregnancy may be due to an increase in active white blood cells called “lymphocytes” T auxiliaries. It is important for pregnant women with eczema to take extra care when selecting treatments as many medicines can harm the developing fetus.

Mild topical steroids are safe for short treatment bursts of up to two weeks during pregnancy. If your eczema becomes very severe other treatment options are available prescribed under the specialized care of a dermatologist. In most cases moisturizers and ointments can help control pregnancy-induced eczema. UV light therapy has been shown to help eliminate eczema while topical steroids at low to medium potency levels have been deemed safe during pregnancy by Murase. It is important for pregnant women with eczema to discuss any concerns they have with their doctor so they can understand their treatment options and associated risks.

Riya Hutchings
Riya Hutchings

On a quest to combat Contact Dermatitis!