As such, the treatment can vary and may require an investigation by yourOB/GYNto help pinpoint the cause.
The primary treatment of heat rash is to wear light breathable clothes.
you could cool the skin with a cold washcloth and applycalamine lotionto help soothe the skin and control itching.
IAN HOOTON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images
Severe hives may require a short course oforal steroidsor medications called leukotriene receptor antagonists, includingSingulair (montelukast).
“Atopic” describes the genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases such ashay fever(allergic rhinitis) andasthma.
One such AEP in pregnancy isatopic dermatitis, also known aseczema.
Those who are most vulnerable have a prior history of hay fever, asthma, orfood allergies.
Eczema rashes are usually treated withmoisturizing creams and lotionsthat alleviate dryness and itching.
Sometimes steroid creams and antihistamines are necessary.
These red bumps are often often crusty and tend to cluster together in groups.
PP is generally considered harmless and won’t cause harm to either the mother or fetus.
PP is best treated with moisturizers, topical steroids, and oral antihistamines.
The rash usually resolves shortly after delivery but may occur again in future pregnancies.
Pruritic Folliculitis
Pruritic folliculitisof pregnancy (PFP) is a relatively rare AEP.
It most commonly occurs during the second and third trimesters, affecting one in every 3,000 pregnancies.
The rash usually goes away within a month or two after delivery.
Treatment of PFP includes topical acne treatments such asbenzoyl peroxideand, occasionally, topical steroids and oral antihistamines.
It is characterized by the combination of both hives and tiny bumps known as papules.
Symptoms of PUPPP include an extremely itchy rash with bumps and raised patches with irregular borders.
The rash usually appears on the abdomen and may be related to the stretching of the skin.
Treatment of PUPPP involves oral antihistamines and topical steroids.
Sometimes oral steroids are needed.
This AEP is so named because the rash looks similar toherpes, causing clusters of itchy, fluid-filled blisters.
The outbreak usually starts around the belly button and eventually spreads to the limbs.
PG is a rareautoimmunedisorder that affects one in 50,000 pregnancies, usually during the second or third trimesters.
If you’ve had PG in the past, you’ll likely have it again with future pregnancies.
PG is usually mild, but severe cases can lead to asecondary infectioncaused when bacteria enter broken skin.
PG is also linked to an increased risk ofpremature birthbut not an increased risk of infant death.
Treatment usually involves topical steroids and sometimes oral steroids.
Unlikeplaque psoriasiswhich causes dry, scaly skin patches (plaques), GPP causes plaques that ooze with pus.
GPP is an AEP that typically develops during the third trimester or immediately after childbirth.
Many cases start in skin folds, such as the armpits or groin.
Fever, nausea, or vomiting frequently accompany the outbreak of rash.
The treatment of GPP includes skin moisturizers, OTC painkillers, and occasionally oral steroids orimmunosuppressantsif symptoms are severe.
In extreme cases, GPP can cause extreme dehydration, leading toseizuresandshock.
Impetigo herpetiformis usually occurs during the third trimester with symptoms resolving immediately after delivery.
People who experience it once will often have it again with later pregnancies.
It is triggered by the obstruction of thegallbladderand bile ducts, causingbileto back up into the liver.
Symptoms of obstetric cholestasis include intenseitchingand occasionally the yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
Women expecting twins or triplets are at greater risk.
Symptoms usually resolve after delivery by may reappear again with future pregnancies.
You may want to try comfort measures such as wearing loose-fitting clothing or taking a soothing bath.
Avoid any products that will dry out your skin.
If you use creams for stretch marks, have a go at massage them into the skin.
One study suggests this is a more effective way to use these products.
For AEP and PEP conditions, try creams and moisturizers first.
Beyond that, ask your healthcare provider about ultraviolet (UVB) light treatments or prescription drugs.
For example, UVB is a safer option in early pregnancy than many drugs are.
Summary
Pregnancy rashes are common, and most aren’t serious for either you or your baby.
These include relatively common rashes like heat rash, hives, and eczema.
Other rashes are specific to pregnancy and may need more extensive or aggressive therapies.
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