Skin Changes Pregnancy Stretch Marks.What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks, also called striae distensae, are areas of stretched skin that may be discolored. They usually occur on the abdomen the dotted lines represent growth from about 8 weeks through the end of the 3rd trimester (about 38 weeks). your growing uterus stretches the skin. They can also occur on the breasts, hips or buttocks.
Will my stretch marks go away after my pregnancy?
Stretch marks usually fade and won't be as noticeable after your pregnancy, but they won't go away completely. Some new treatments seem to help a lot. Retin-A or Renova in combination with glycolic acid is fairly effective. You need a prescription for Retin-A and Renova, but you can get glycolic acid from your dermatologist. Cellex-C, with glycolic acid, also improves the appearance of stretch marks. The most effective treatment, but the most costly, is laser treatment. This is often done in combination with the medication methods described above. These treatments are done after pregnancy.
Other Skin Changes
I have a mole that seems to be getting larger. Is this something I should be concerned about?
Pregnancy can cause many changes in your skin. Moles may appear for the first time, or existing moles may grow larger and darken during pregnancy. If you have a mole that changes, be sure to have your doctor check it.
I have little pieces of skin that seemed to have grown since I became pregnant. What are they?
Skin tags are small lumps or bumps of skin that may appear for the first time during pregnancy. If you already have them, they may grow larger while you are pregnant. Don't worry too much about them. If they are in an area that is rubbed frequently, you may want to talk to your doctor about removing them.
I've had flare ups of pimples lately. Is this related to my pregnancy?
Most women experience some changes in their skin while pregnant. Some women find their skin breaks out more often. Some lucky women find their skin becomes less oily and softer. These changes are due to the hormones of pregnancy; your skin will probably return to normal after your baby is born.
My dermatologist just told me I have a couple of precancerous spots on my face. I've had them before and usually get them removed. Can I do this during pregnancy, or should I wait until after the baby is born?
Yes, you can have these spots removed. This is usually done in the doctor's office and is not a problem.
A dark vertical line has appeared on my abdomen. What is it?
It is called the linea nigra and appears on many women during pregnancy.
Will this line disappear after pregnancy?
It often fades markedly after pregnancy, but it may never fully disappear.
I've got brown patches on my face that I never had before. What are they?
These patches are called chloasma or mask of pregnancy and are believed to be caused by the hormonal changes brought about during pregnancy. Usually these dark patches disappear completely or get lighter after your baby is born. (Oral contraceptives often cause similar pigmentation changes.)
My sister-in-law had red palms all during her pregnancy. Is this common?
The condition you're referring to is palmar erythema; it is not uncommon. It occurs in 65% of pregnant white women and 35% of pregnant black women. It is probably caused by increased estrogen in the system and usually doesn't cause any problems. It's OK to use lotions, but the redness of your palms may not disappear until after you deliver.
Since I got pregnant, I've noticed some small red elevations on the skin of my neck and upper chest. What causes this?
During pregnancy, you may experience vascular changes in your skin. These small red elevations, with branches extending outward, are called vascular spiders, telangiectasias or angiomas. They usually occur on the face, neck, upper chest and arms, and disappear after delivery.
Do vascular spiders and red palms occur together?
Yes, they often occur together. Symptoms are temporary and disappear shortly after delivery.
I've noticed since I've been pregnant that my skin feels itchy, and I scratch a lot. Does this indicate a problem?
Itching, also called pruritis gravidarum, is a common symptom during pregnancy. It usually occurs later in pregnancy, and about 20% of all pregnant women suffer from it. Itching does not indicate any problem in your pregnancy.
The skin over my abdomen itches the worst. What causes this?
As your uterus grows and fills your pelvis, abdominal skin and muscles must stretch to accommodate it. Stretching of the skin causes abdominal itching in many women.
What can I do about this itching?
If you scratch the skin, it can make it worse, so try not to scratch. There are lotions available to help reduce the itching. You may be able to use cortisone creams occasionally. Ask your doctor about relief.
|
