Pregnancy is a unique phase during which a mother undergoes several mental and physiological changes. The changes may be due to the circulation of hormones, immune response (the ability of the body to fight against disease), metabolism, and blood supply, and some symptoms generally indicate these changes.
Due to changes happening in the motherโs body, some existing skin problems can worsen, while some conditions may also improve. A skin problem is not to be ignored because it can also be a symptom of some significant conditions affecting the fetus. In order to accommodate the baby, some hormonal changes also make the motherโs skin tight and stretched, but this tends to increase the surface area and a loss of moisture in the skin. This can make your skin dry and itchy. Further, scratching can cause cracks on the skin surface which can later be the site of skin infections.
Why does your skin become dry?
Due to hormonal effects, the layer on your skin, which prevents the evaporation of moisture, becomes thin. This leads to a large loss of moisture from the skin’s surface. Also, due to a rise in demand for fluids by the body during pregnancy, the body tends to retain water and prevents the loss of water through the surface of the skin further causing dryness.
Change in weather is also a major cause of skin dryness, especially during winters when the outside air is cold and dry. This may lead to some cracks and cuts on the skin.
Due to food cravings during pregnancy, the mother may tend to ignore consuming sufficient hydrating foods. This can also cause dryness during pregnancy. Stress can also cause dryness in the skin because it induces chemical changes in the body that represent dryness or acne on the skin.
Obstetric cholestasis is a defect in the excretion of bile hence increasing its circulating level, which induces itchy and dry skin, acne, etc.
The cure for dry skin during pregnancy
Keep yourself hydrated, drink an adequate amount of water, fresh juices, and watery fruits like melons.
Use mild cleansers to clean your body and use moisturizers that are not scented. You can use calamine lotion, glycerine, or petroleum jelly. It is better to use natural oils like coconut oil, milk fat, or cream.
The use of room humidifiers during winter will reduce the loss of moisture from your skin. Do not go swimming when your skin is dry, as chlorinated water can make it drier and more problematic. Also, avoid using hot water for bathing; prefer lukewarm water so that your skin can retain the natural oils.
Avoid taking unnecessary stress; you can practice yoga, meditation or enjoy soothing music. The use of soothing essential oils can also help you to reduce stress.
When to consult your doctor?
Dry skin becomes itchy and increases the urge to scratch, which can be traumatic for your sensitive skin. It can cause bleeding, deep cuts, and fissures that can harbor infection-causing bacteria. In such cases, you should see a dermatologist. If you had other skin problems before pregnancy and it is getting worse during pregnancy, it is recommended to get them checked.
Change in the color of your urine and stool is associated with raised bile levels in your body. This can be harmful to the fetus as well. Eczematous conditions (patches of skin becoming inflamed and rough) in hands, face, and neck and the development of ulcers on the surface of the skin can be due to some serious conditions which might need immediate medical attention.
An insight from mamahood
Most of the skin problems associated with pregnancy usually resolve after giving birth, as hormonal levels, vascular changes, and immunological changes tend to settle down. In most skin problems, there is no need to panic because they are mostly physiological, but pregnancy-specific dermatoses need attention and specialized medical care. If you notice any changes in your skin that appear like ulcers or blemishes, please visit your doctor.
