It is rare that pregnancy proceeds absolutely smoothly; in most cases, there is an exacerbation of various diseases, including those that were in the chronic stage. One of these is dermatitis. It often begins to develop from an early age and lasts throughout the entire period of gestation. Typically, this disease disappears on its own after the birth of the child. If dermatitis is not treated during pregnancy, it can have serious consequences.
Essentially, dermatitis is an inflammatory process affecting the surface of the skin. The integrity of the tissues is disrupted, the shade changes, and in addition, itching is felt. And, as statistics show, approximately 50% of women have skin problems during pregnancy.
What could be the reason?
What provokes the occurrence of this disease? The most common factors include the following reasons:
- Hormonal imbalance, which is caused by changes taking place in the body of a pregnant woman.
- Weakened immune system.
- Exposure to environmental allergens.
- Some temporary "misunderstandings" between the cells of the mother and the child.
- Use of ointments and creams based on hormones.
- Impaired functioning of the digestive system.
- Genetic inheritance.
- Exposure to sunlight, cold, wind and other weather conditions.
Here it is important to promptly monitor the appearance of atypical reactions from the body and take appropriate measures. When using permethrin, it is recommended not to ignore the instructions for use. However, this applies to any prescribed drug. This will prevent relapses in the future.
Prevention
The main measures to help prevent the development of any form of dermatitis are:
- minimizing stress and nervous tension;
- exclusion of potential allergens from the diet;
- if there is a genetic predisposition, it is necessary to undergo a thorough examination by a doctor before pregnancy;
- Drink more fluids if possible (it helps quickly remove toxins from the body);
- regularly carry out wet cleaning in the room where the pregnant woman is;
- avoid contact with animals;
- use exclusively hypoallergenic cosmetics and wear clothes made from natural materials.
By following these simple rules you can reduce the risk of developing dermatitis. When the first unpleasant signs appear, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor; prolonging the situation leads to the development of unwanted complications.
Dermatitis in pregnant women is very common. This is a skin disease that manifests itself upon contact with an external irritant and is accompanied by a number of unpleasant symptoms. Regardless of the form and nature of the manifestation, dermatitis requires a mandatory examination by a doctor and the appointment of an effective treatment regimen. Early diagnosis helps prevent further progression of the disease.
Varieties of the disease
Various creams are available to combat this disease, but first let’s get acquainted with the classification of dermatitis. It includes several types, which we will discuss below. Typically, this disease disappears on its own after the birth of the child. But at this most crucial moment in the life of every woman, it can cause many problems.
The main manifestations of the disease are rashes on the surface of the skin, and dermatitis on the stomach during pregnancy or on the legs is not uncommon.
Dermatosis of pregnant women
In the third trimester, pregnant women may develop polymorphic dermatosis (toxic erythema). This is due to the child’s strong weight gain, which causes the woman’s skin and abdominal muscles to stretch significantly. An increase in the mother's weight causes a disruption in metabolic processes in the body. Dermatosis in pregnant women can be excluded if you eat right and do not gain extra pounds. Sometimes it helps to use non-hormonal emollient creams and ointments to make the skin more elastic. The main symptoms of polymorphic dermatosis in pregnant women:
- rash on the stomach, thighs, buttocks (rarely on the face, feet, limbs);
- red papules with a diameter of 1-2 mm;
- papules merge into plaques resembling blisters;
- severe itching;
- after combing, bubbles appear on the damaged area;
- the rashes have clear boundaries.
Atopic or allergic dermatitis
This is the most common form of the disease, which can be inherited from parents. This can occur in several stages:
Stage 1 - it all begins with the appearance of slight peeling in the area of the elbow joints and under the knees, as well as small rashes that may appear on the face. In the evening, the itching intensifies, and at the site of the rash you can notice a slight swelling of the tissues, which is typical of a classic allergic reaction. In some cases, these areas change shade and become more scarlet. The general condition of women is favorable, and therefore most of them do not pay attention to these signs. This results in treatment starting a little late.
Stage 2 - if you do not use the cream for atopic dermatitis, the itching becomes almost constant against the background of increased anxiety and irritation. All this leaves an imprint on the general emotional background of the expectant mother. In this case, the rashes spread over different areas: arms, legs, back, stomach. The skin around the eyes darkens. In this case, these signs should not be ignored and you should immediately seek medical help.
Stage 3 – poses a serious threat to a pregnant woman. And if no action is taken during the first two stages, the disease becomes more aggressive. Due to constant anxiety and itching (it is already becoming unbearable), not only sleep is disturbed, but also the woman’s behavior undergoes changes.
The allergic form of dermatitis, as a rule, begins to worsen with the onset of the 1st and 3rd trimester.
Signs
Contact dermatitis may not be immediately detectable. An allergic reaction may appear only a few days after contact. Therefore, it will be more difficult for specialists to determine the diagnosis.
Gradually, the skin at the site of contact with the allergen turns red and swells. The woman feels itching and can scratch the affected areas. As a result, blisters of different shapes and sizes appear on the skin. Over time, they burst and a dry crust appears in their place.
A small rash can be localized on the face, abdomen, limbs, or spread throughout almost the entire body. In the evening, the itching intensifies, peeling may appear under the knees and on the elbows. Where the rash was, tissue swelling may occur.
If treatment is not started at the initial stage, blueness may appear around the eyes and sleep may worsen due to severe itching. In the first and third trimester, allergic dermatitis manifests itself most acutely.
Important! If a woman scratches her skin, she can introduce infection into the wounds and get complications of the disease. Then you will have to carry out antibacterial therapy to cope with the disease.
Perioral form of the disease
Unlike atopic dermatitis during pregnancy in the last stage, this disease does not pose a threat to either the pregnant woman or the fetus. In most cases, the inconvenience for patients is of an aesthetic nature.
The rashes are localized in different places:
- under the nose;
- along the edges of the lips;
- on the chin;
- around eyes;
- in the temple area.
Moreover, based on the color scheme, they can be from pale pink to red. The surface of the skin is rough to the touch, and after a while pigment spots appear at the sites of the rash.
The rash can be presented in the form of almost invisible elements, which are usually localized in separate groups or arranged in random order. And considering that the rashes are mainly located on sensitive areas of the skin, the burning and itching are felt more strongly.
Nature of the disease
Contact dermatitis causes a lot of inconvenience to a pregnant woman.
In addition to physiological discomfort, this causes negative emotions. The condition requires safe therapy. Every expectant mother should remember that her health directly affects the health of the fetus. Armed with special knowledge about the most common ailments, a woman will be more protected from them.
A lot of new physiological processes occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy. Because of this, the sensitivity of the skin increases significantly, and rashes may appear.
Under the negative influence of an allergen, intolerance to it appears and individual sensitivity develops. The body's protective functions are weakened, hormonal changes reach their maximum. In addition, there may be a hereditary factor.
The risk of contact dermatitis in women during pregnancy increases significantly. Synthetic fabrics of clothing and bedding, various types of jewelry, latex, decorative and caring cosmetics, ointments and other external medications, as well as household chemicals and paint products can affect the skin.
Important! The disease may appear at the beginning of pregnancy and not go away until childbirth. After the baby is born, it disappears on its own. Symptoms of the disease are localized at the site of skin contact with the allergen, which is why this type of dermatitis is called contact dermatitis.
Polymorphic dermatitis
Polymorphic dermatitis during pregnancy on the legs or any other place usually occurs in the third trimester, and in most cases it appears in those women who are bearing a child for the first time. There is an opinion that this is due to the intensive development of the fetus, but exact confirmation of this theory does not yet exist.
The appearance of the rash resembles hives, and usually the process affects already damaged areas of the skin. Initially, these are red elements with a white rim around the edges. But after some time, the rash turns into plaques. As for localization, this is the abdomen, inner thighs, and in rare cases, rashes are observed on the chest. The area around the navel remains untouched.
The question of what to apply to dermatitis during pregnancy is of interest to every woman, because itching is constantly felt, which disrupts the nighttime routine of a pregnant woman. As practice shows, rashes appear two weeks before the birth of the child and disappear on their own within 7 days. However, there are no consequences for the mother and child.
Symptoms
Seborrheic dermatitis on the face photo
Most often, seborrheic dermatitis on the head during pregnancy appears gradually, but progressively. Its first signs are intense itching and redness. Later, the spots form into plaques with clearly visible yellow-pink boundaries. They become covered with greasy scales of skin that has already died in this area.
During the course of the disease, the hair becomes thin, brittle, and dandruff appears. In its advanced form, baldness may occur in areas affected by the disease.
The first signs are easy to recognize, they are:
- intense itching;
- redness of the skin;
- skin irritation and sensitivity;
- presence of scales, flaky plaques.
If these symptoms are treated negligently, the disease can progress. It is possible that a secondary infection may occur and erythroderma may occur.
Establishing diagnosis
In many ways, diagnosing dermatitis in pregnant women is the prerogative of doctors, especially when it comes to allergic manifestations. In this case, only a specialist will be able to identify the allergen and draw up a treatment plan in each specific case.
But even if the first characteristic signs are detected by the woman herself, she still will not be able to determine what type of disease it is. And what can we say about prescribing any drug to yourself, even if you follow the instructions for use, “Permethrin”, for example?
And again, only a doctor can do this. He will conduct an examination of the patient to examine damaged areas of the skin, take an anamnesis from the woman’s words and, if necessary, take samples. As a result of these actions, the doctor will be able to identify the cause of the rash.
Treatment methods for dermatitis in pregnant women
Eliminating dermatitis in a pregnant woman or nursing mother is not an easy task. Many drugs intended to treat dermatitis are not suitable as they can harm the child. Therefore, only a doctor should prescribe medications.
Some cases of dermatitis do not require treatment. This happens when the symptoms are minor. In this situation, a woman is recommended to follow a hypoallergenic diet. Exclude seafood, chocolate and sweets, smoked foods, carbonated drinks and contact with household allergens: dust, pet hair, cosmetics from the diet. If the pathological manifestations weaken, then the use of medications is not required.
With progressive symptoms, the patient is prescribed antihistamines, agents for external use, which act only on damaged areas. Medicines are chosen only those whose use is permitted during pregnancy.
If the situation is complicated by gastrointestinal disorders, the patient is recommended to take probiotics. In severe cases, antibiotics must be used. They are needed to fight secondary infection.
Herbal infusions with a calming effect help normalize the emotional state of the expectant mother. As part of symptomatic therapy, anti-inflammatory and healing agents for external use are used.
Attention! Corticosteroid-based ointments are rarely prescribed to pregnant women. In relation to them, you must strictly follow the instructions.
In addition to drug therapy, it is allowed to use folk remedies based on medicinal herbs: rosehip extract, nettle, burdock, oak bark. Decoctions from these plants have a moisturizing and soothing effect. Before using them, you must make sure that you are not sensitive to them, otherwise the patient’s condition may worsen.
After the baby is born, the dermatitis usually goes away on its own. If this does not happen, then the woman is prescribed effective and comprehensive treatment.
Actions for dermatitis during pregnancy
Many expectant mothers try to take care of their health, because under their hearts they carry a new life, and it is priceless. At the same time, they know very well that self-medication in this case is unacceptable, otherwise you can harm not only yourself, but also the child.
But the woman herself can provide treatment for mild dermatitis during pregnancy. To do this, she should follow simple recommendations:
- Forget about decorative cosmetics while pregnant.
- Do not wear synthetic clothing.
- Bed linen should be made of natural hypoallergenic material (for example, cotton).
- It is better to buy shampoos, gels and masks that are specifically designed for pregnant women. As a last resort, products for children are suitable.
In addition, clothes should be washed with hypoallergenic powders or phosphate-free gels.
Treatment of seborrhea during pregnancy
Seborrheic dermatitis on the face photo
If symptoms of this disease are detected, a pregnant woman should promptly consult a dermatologist for advice. Only a specialist can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment that is effective and safe for the health of the mother and fetus.
If the diagnosis of seborrhea of the scalp during pregnancy is confirmed, the dermatologist prescribes antifungal drugs and a complex of vitamins. First of all, antifungal shampoos are prescribed:
- Sebazole;
- Keto Plus;
- Nizoral;
- Skin Cap.
Keto-Plus shampoo for seborrhea
They contain the main active ingredients: ketoconazole and ciclopirox. They have effective antimycotic properties. Shampoos should be used according to the instructions, usually three times a week until complete recovery.
However, in some cases, treatment of seborrhea during pregnancy with shampoos is ineffective, since the chemical components may be contraindicated for the expectant mother.
If the patient is prohibited from using these products, then antifungal shampoo based on birch tar and Sulsen ointment 2% are prescribed. Use no more than three times a week. You should also stop using toothpaste for a while (replace with powder).
Ketoconazole cream for seborrhea
During pregnancy, medications containing hormones are not prescribed. To increase immunity, a pregnant patient is prescribed an optimal complex of vitamins (A, E, C), minerals and other beneficial substances. To restore skin cells, you can use Bioderm cream and cleansing tonics, milk, and lotions. For severe inflammation it is recommended:
- Lamisil cream;
- Erythromycin ointment;
- Ketoconazole tablets and ointment;
- Hydrocortisone cream.
Specialist help
But it is advisable, of course, to consult a doctor who will select adequate therapy. Treatment will include taking child-safe anti-inflammatory drugs and antihistamines. In this case, the course must be carried out under the close attention of a specialist.
Safe antiseptic and antifungal agents include those that contain the following active ingredients:
- metronidazole;
- azelaic acid;
- clindamycin;
- nystatin;
- erythromycin;
- terbinafine;
- mupirocin.
The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the manifestation and the general condition of the pregnant woman. In some cases, the doctor, after examining the patient, may prescribe chlorpyramidine or suprastin.
conclusions
One way or another, diagnosing dermatitis due to allergies is impossible without medical intervention. Having noticed the first signs of the disease, you need to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
A pregnant woman should regularly wet clean the house, wear dry, clean clothes made of non-artificial fabrics, take vitamins and follow doctors' recommendations.
It is very difficult to cope with the disease during pregnancy alone. Especially when the most common itching can turn into severe inflammation and harm the health of mother and baby.
Diet correction
In addition, you need to adjust your diet. Spicy, fried, fatty foods, strong coffee, and preservatives should be excluded from the menu. In addition, you should limit the consumption of those foods that can cause a food allergic reaction on the part of the immune system or completely abandon them.
We are talking about red vegetables, berries and fruits, whole cow's milk, seafood, cocoa beans. But zucchini, broccoli, bananas, and green apples should be given preference due to their greater usefulness and the absence of potential danger on their part.
Metronidazole ointment
Analogues of this drug are Metrogyl, Rozex, Metroxan, in which the active ingredient is metronidazole. At the same time, the funds are also produced in different forms:
- pills;
- gel;
- cream;
- ointment;
- candles.
Let us pay special attention to Metronidazole ointment, since in addition to the active ingredient, it contains auxiliary elements that are necessary specifically for this form of the drug.
At the same time, there are certain advantages over gel or cream. The ointment contains a fatty (hydrophobic) base, and the particles of the active substance are not completely dissolved in it. Due to this, instead of drying out the affected area, the product, on the contrary, moisturizes and softens the tissue.
During the treatment of dermatitis during pregnancy, after application, the ointment spreads over the affected area of the skin after some time, and remains on its surface much longer than a cream or gel. Therefore, the effect of use lasts longer.
According to the instructions for use, the ointment must be applied in the morning and evening (every 12 hours) in a small amount. The treatment course is 5 days.
The product has side effects that you should be aware of. This is a manifestation of an allergic reaction (itching, skin rashes), loss of appetite, irritability, dizziness, convulsions. But since the drug is for external use, side effects appear in smaller quantities and are limited only to local manifestations. Nevertheless, it is necessary to know about their presence, and therefore it is advisable to prescribe this drug exclusively for indications.
Reasons for the development of the disease
In itself, the disease does not pose a threat to the body, but provokes the development of unpleasant symptoms that cause discomfort. In medical practice, two factors are considered that provoke the development of the disease. These include:
- increased production of sebum, qualitatively changed under the influence of genetic factors,
- exceeding the permissible amount of fungus.
The fungus that causes seborrhea is present on everyone's skin, but in small quantities. When the level exceeds the norm, seborrheic dermatitis occurs. The following factors can contribute to the development of the disease:
- systematic consumption of alcoholic beverages,
- long-term smoking,
- decreased protective functions of the immune system,
- genetic predisposition,
- unhealthy diet
- lack of vitamins and minerals,
- increase in the amount of fungus,
- problems with the endocrine system,
- constant impact of stress on the nervous system,
- disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract.
As medical practice shows, seborrheic dermatitis is a fairly common occurrence in pregnant women. This is due to the fact that during this period the balance of hormones changes. Under the influence of hormones, the activity of the sebaceous glands increases and the quality of sebum changes.
The development is also caused by a fungus, which is quite abundant on the skin. The bacteria are localized near the sebaceous glands and multiply by consuming fatty acids.
Depending on the cause of the disease, individual treatment is selected, consisting of a set of remedies.
A variety of bacteria gather around the sebaceous glands and cause inflammation.
"Losterine"
"Losterin" during pregnancy can be classified as the latest generation of drugs that help eliminate skin irritations of various natures. The composition of the drug is very diverse and includes several components:
- glyceryl;
- deresined naphthalan;
- urea;
- propylene glycol;
- stearyl alcohol;
- almond oil;
- Sophora extract.
Due to this balanced composition, the cream is highly effective with a simple method of application. A short time after applying the composition to the affected area, relief occurs. Actually, for this reason the drug has gained great popularity.
In addition to dermatitis, the list of indications also includes other manifestations: lichen, eczema, psoriasis. The product belongs to the list of non-hormonal ointments and therefore is used effectively for pregnant women. Also, due to the absence of hormones, harm to the fetus is excluded, which is an invaluable advantage.
Also, no addictive effect or negative impact on the body of the expectant mother and her child was noticed. And if healthy tissues fall into the zone of action of the cream, they are not damaged.
What does Erythromycin help with?
Essentially, it is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can be available in the form of tablets (100 mg, 250 mg and 500 mg) or ointment (ophthalmic, external). It is successfully used in the presence of damage to the skin. Depending on the condition of the pregnant woman, the doctor prescribes the drug in tablet form or as an ointment.
In any case, it is worth noting the presence of side effects during treatment with Erythromycin:
- nausea;
- vomit;
- liver dysfunction;
- epigastric pain;
- the occurrence of an allergic reaction.
Anaphylactic shock, as well as cholestatic jaundice, occur in extremely rare cases. And since the drug is an antibiotic, it is prescribed to pregnant women only in extreme cases, when the harm from the drug is minimal compared to the impact of the disease.
The danger of dermatitis during pregnancy in different trimesters
Any allergic reactions are especially dangerous in the first trimester of pregnancy, when the organs and systems of the fetus are in their infancy and the placenta is not fully formed.
Therefore, there is a possibility of a negative impact on the child.
The second and third trimesters are not dangerous . A fully formed fetus is protected by the placenta, and antigens cannot penetrate into the uterus.
But allergic dermatitis can still negatively affect the baby’s condition indirectly, through the mother’s condition.
The nervous state of a pregnant woman is transmitted to the fetus, and can affect the psychological state of the child after birth.
IMPORTANT! Self-medication can cause fetal malformations. When using traditional antihistamines, a woman does not take into account their teratogenic effect on the child. Therefore, any medicine can be used only after consulting a doctor.
Preventive actions
The best treatment for dermatitis during pregnancy is prevention. And there is hardly a specialist who will dispute this statement. To avoid the appearance of unwanted rashes and itching, it is necessary to carry out regular wet cleaning in your house or apartment. This will eliminate all contact with allergens, which are abundant in household chemicals.
It is also necessary to ventilate the premises to provide fresh air, which is very important for providing oxygen to the fetus. If possible, in the presence of pets and plants, it is necessary to remove these sources of possible allergies for some time.
Many women use cosmetics to look irresistible. But during pregnancy it can also act as an allergen. And against the background of a woman’s weakened immune system (for obvious reasons), additional problems are extremely undesirable.
Medicines prescribed by a doctor can be used in conjunction with external agents (creams for atopic dermatitis, oils, ointments, mash). And since the disease is accompanied by prolonged itching, the help of antihistamines will be very helpful.
Folk remedies
Traditional medicine also has remedies that can be effective for contact dermatitis. Compresses and lotions with rose hip extract, oak bark decoction, Kalanchoe juice, diluted birch sap, and potato juice are safe for the fetus.
Applying fresh cabbage leaves helps a lot. The affected surface can be moistened with sea buckthorn or olive oil. This product will speed up skin healing.
Some doctors add bathing and washing with tar soap and applying grated raw potato gruel to drug treatment. Complex therapy helps to quickly cure dermatitis.
