5 Types of Pregnancy Rashes and How to Treat Them

Most pregnant women flaunt a beautiful glow on their face, thanks to a nutritious pregnancy diet and the excitement of welcoming the new baby. However, a healthy glow is not the only thing going on with your skin. Sometimes you may also experience acne, rashes, stretch marks, and worsening of some existing skin conditions. Below are the five most common types of pregnancy rashes, along with their treatments.

#Heat Rash

Prickly heat or heat rash can develop during pregnancy due to an elevated basal body temperature. An increased blood supply to the skin can make you feel hot, as a result of which you may experience excessive sweating that eventually leads to a heat rash. You may see tiny blisters, redness, and even swelling on the skin, along with an itchy feeling.

While heat rash does not require specific treatment, staying cool and dry helps it heal. Here are a few things you can try:

• Wearing stretchy and comfy maternity clothes made from natural fibers, such as cotton
• Changing out of wet clothing as soon as possible
• Working and sleeping in cool, well-ventilated rooms
• Avoiding activities that cause sweating
• Applying cold water compresses, antihistamines, or calamine lotion to the rash
• Taking a cold bath

#Hives

Hives are raised bumps or welts on the skin, which appears alone or in a group of red spots or patches. They are itchy and can appear anywhere on the body. While they generally occur due to an allergic reaction, other possible causes include:

• Heat
• Emotional stress
• Scratching the skin
• Pressure on the skin
• Feeling hot and itchy
• Hormonal changes

You can treat mild hives at home by cooling the skin. Other treatments may involve taking corticosteroids, antihistamines, or medications to relieve inflammation. However, if you also have anaphylaxis symptoms, like swollen tongue, rapid pulse, tingling, and difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately.

#AEP

Atopic Eruption of Pregnancy (AEP) is one of the most common pregnancy-specific skin dermatoses. The term AEP combines several pregnancy rashes, including:

• Atopic Eczema: It's a very dry and itchy rash that appears gray or brown in darker skin and red in lighter skin. Pregnant women who develop eczema get lesions inflamed more than usual during the first two trimesters.
• Pruritic Folliculitis of Pregnancy: It causes papules that look similar to pimples or acne.
• Prurigo of Pregnancy: It involves a rash consisting of blemishes that are small bumps filled with pus.

These conditions may cause discomfort to a pregnant woman but do not pose a risk to her unborn baby. Most of these rashes often go away a few weeks after childbirth. Until then, your doctor may prescribe steroid creams, emollients, or antihistamines to relieve itching.

#PUPPP

Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy (PUPPP) is a common type of rash known to affect about 1 in every 160 pregnancies. This condition is more common in first-time moms and pregnant women carrying twins or multiples. It first appears as itchy red patches around the belly area and may later spread to the legs, arms, and buttocks.

A PUPPP rash typically develops in the third trimester but may sometimes appear in the second trimester. It does not cause complications and tends to go away after delivery. Treatments for PUPPP include oral antihistamines or prednisone, topical corticosteroids, skin emollients, and a steroid medication.

#ICP

Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) is a severe liver condition caused by hormones. It typically occurs in the third trimester and usually resolves after delivery. However, during this period, it's essential to see a doctor for treatment because ICP can cause various pregnancy complications, putting you at risk for preterm labor and your unborn baby at risk for stillbirth or lung issues.

The only symptom of ICP is itching, which may occur with or without a rash. Itching initially starts on the palms and soles and may later spread to the entire body. Occasionally, you may also develop jaundice, which causes yellowing of the nails, skin, and eyes. You may also have trouble sleeping due to itching. Get in touch with your doctor immediately if you experience severe itching during pregnancy.