Pregnancy & Newborn

Skin Changes During Pregnancy

‘Mask of pregnancy’ and linea nigra

Both of these benign conditions are the result of increased pigmentation caused by a surge of pregnancy hormones. Melasma, also known as the “mask of pregnancy,” causes dark splotches to appear on your face, often on the nose and cheeks. Linea nigra is a dark line that can form between your belly button and pubic area during pregnancy.

If you experience either of these, you’re not alone. Nearly 75 percent of pregnant women will have the mask of pregnancy, and 90 percent will notice linea nigra.

This increase in pigmentation can affect any area of your body that is more pigmented. Many women, for example, report much darker freckles or areolas than normal. And the darker your skin tone, the more you may notice these changes.

You can’t totally prevent these conditions, but using a good sunscreen, especially on your face, can help reduce the effects. Don’t worry – you won’t be stuck with these changes forever. Most should fade after you give birth. Melasma sometimes doesn’t go away, but a dermatologist can treat it with medication after pregnancy.

Stretch marks

Almost every pregnant woman will get stretch marks, which are reddish streaks that run down your breasts or belly. They’re more likely to appear if you gain weight rapidly, so follow your doctor’s recommendation regarding weight gain. However, getting stretch marks sometimes just comes down to genetics.

After birth, your stretch marks should turn a less-obvious silver or white color. You can try to prevent stretch marks by keeping your skin moisturized with cocoa butter or lotion. If you’re tempted to try an herbal remedy, talk to your doctor first.

Acne

Many of my patients complain about this during pregnancy. All those hormones in your body can cause oil glands to secrete more oil, causing breakouts.

Try cleaning your face with an over-the-counter-face soap in the morning and evening. Most over-the-counter topical treatments are safe in pregnancy, but if you have any concerns about a certain product, you can ask your doctor. There are a few topical prescription medications we can try during pregnancy, but your acne should get better after your baby is born.

Skin tags

These small, loose, harmless growths of skin can appear anywhere on your body during pregnancy, but most commonly pop up under the arms and breasts. Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to prevent them, but they can easily be removed after pregnancy if you want.

PUPPP

Itchy rashes are common during pregnancy. PUPPPs, pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, is the most common pregnancy rash. These itchy, red patches spring up around stretch marks – usually toward the end of pregnancy when your belly is stretched the most – and can spread to the arms, legs, and buttocks.

This condition is harmless, but I know from experience it can be annoying. PUPPPs will go away after you give birth, but don’t feel like you need to suffer through it until then. We can give you a steroid cream that will relieve the itching and prevent it from spreading. This cream is safe for you and your baby.

Source: UT Southwestern Medical Center

Natural Newborn Skincare Tips

Your newborn is home now, and you're settling into a daily routine. Keeping your baby warm and nourished is tops on your list. Baby skin care is just as important.

Newborn skin is delicate -- and so is the baby's immune system. While there are several normal newborn rashes, chemicals, fragrances, and dyes in clothing, detergents, and baby products can cause newborn skin irritation, dryness, chafing, and rashes. However, there's much you can do to protect your baby from these skin problems.

The upside to baby's skin sensitivity? Your touch on your newborn's skin has a soothing, nurturing effect -- and is critical to your baby's development.

Natural Baby Skin Care

A newborn baby is born with wrinkly skin and a protective covering called vernix that naturally peels off during the first week. There's no need to rush it, rub it, or treat it with lotions or creams. (If baby is born past the due date, this process is likely finished while they are still inside the womb.)

With newborn skin care, the adage is "less is more." Here are tips to help protect your baby from developing allergies and rashes:

Resist the urge to bathe your baby frequently.

Too-frequent bathing -- more than three times per week during the first year of life -- removes the natural oils that protect baby's skin. That may leave baby's skin vulnerable and dry. It may also aggravate eczema.

Except for drool and diaper changes, newborns don't get very dirty. Babies aren’t working 9 to 5 and hitting the gym afterward! For the first month or so, a sponge bath two or three times a week will keep your baby safely clean. In between, simply clean baby’s mouth and diaper area with a little water or cleanser.

Once-a-week sponge baths (or even less) are best for newborns with the cord still attached.

Don't use scented baby products in the early months.

This can irritate your baby's delicate skin.

Wash baby's clothing before it's worn.

Use only baby laundry detergents that are fragrance- and dye-free. Wash baby clothes, bedding, and blankets separately from the family's laundry. Or use the same detergent for the entire family.

Source: WebMD