Overview
It’s still unclear exactly why women get breakouts during pregnancy, but a 2015 study on African American women, published in Obstetrics & Gynecology , suggests it could have something to do with the higher body temperatures associated with pregnancy. When women experience higher levels of heat and sweat, bacteria in the skin can multiply. But again, researchers don’t know for sure why pregnancy causes acne.
It’s not that acne is over in pregnancy, it’s that hormonal changes affect your skin in different ways. It could be that acne is just exacerbated and hormonal changes are creating greater sensitivity, and sensitivity is triggering oil glands in the skin to increase oil production and make it worse.
What Is Acne?
“When hair follicles are blocked, oils and bacteria can’t get to your skin, causing inflammation and pores to enlarge,” cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe says about Acne.
Atopic dermatitis, the most common form of acne, is highly irritating, and could be linked to eczema, allergies, stress, or sun exposure.
Because your skin may be so irritated, you may feel that any skin bump, or blemish, on your face could turn into a full-blown pimple.
What causes acne?
The exact causes of acne remain unknown, though the most common culprits include increased blood flow to the skin due to a high level of hormones, such as testosterone, and bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (staph) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Usually, people start experiencing acne between the ages of 14 and 19, although some people start having acne as early as 11. Acne can cause physical disfiguring scars and inflamed pimples, which can range in size from the size of a pea to the size of a peppercorn.
Dandruff is a condition that causes a thick, white, flakes of hair to appear all over the scalp. Do not brush it off but instead use an anti-dandruff shampoo that is specially formulated to fight against it. Itchy and dry skin is a very common skin problem. The most commonly known types are eczema and dermatitis.
By 20, around 40 percent of people have acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Other factors that can contribute to acne are changes in the diet, chronic skin infections and exposure to some chemicals.
Why Acne Occurs During Pregnancy?
That may sound reasonable and easy enough to control, but there are two things to remember: Acne becomes more common in your third trimester and you will have to do everything you can to get rid of the pimples in the first three months.
One thing that can help fight acne is taking over the counter acne medications. But if you are trying to get pregnant, you should talk to your doctor first. You may need to avoid any oral acne medications or even topical over-the-counter treatments for your acne during this time.
What makes pregnancy acne more dangerous?
Pregnancy acne can be even more dangerous during the later stages of pregnancy when women are gaining a lot of weight.
Symptoms of pregnancy acne, including
- bloating
- itching
- and spots on the skin, can make it harder to lose the weight.
If you have severe acne during your pregnancy, you might be at a higher risk for scarring and it could be hard for you to get pregnant again. You might also be at a higher risk for infection because your body is fighting to protect itself against an infection.
The severity of acne and the extent to which it can be uncomfortable or embarrassing can differ between pregnancies.
Pregnancy acne is not a common health issue. According to a study in Pediatrics, only 2.5 percent of expectant and new mothers have acne during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant may experience more acne because of hormonal fluctuations or lifestyle changes.
Causes and risk factors
Swelling and excessive bleeding can result in a multitude of symptoms, some of which can be related to pregnancy.
The most common cause of pregnancy acne is hormones. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can cause swelling and excessive bleeding, both of which may result in acne.
Pregnant women are more likely to have acne on the face and back than any other body area. This is likely because these areas are more likely to be exposed to estrogen.
What are the symptoms of pregnancy acne?
A pregnant woman may experience mild acne during pregnancy. Pregnancy acne is usually mild in comparison to other types of acne. The risk of developing pregnancy acne is lower if the woman has never had it before.
Women can also reduce their risk by avoiding the following
- Smoking
- Avoiding alcohol
- Strenuous exercise during pregnancy
- Overusing cosmetics and skincare products and skincare products
Women should speak to a doctor before considering any sort of medication or treatment.
The most common symptoms of pregnancy acne are
- Blotches and areas of redness
- Skin that feels hot and sore
- red bumps
- Itchy skin
See a doctor If any of these symptoms last longer than a month or if a woman experiences any of the following:
- Bleeding
- Severe breakout
- Family history of acne
Treatment options
There is no specific treatment for pregnancy acne.
During pregnancy, a woman can have a routine dermatology treatment, such as topical or oral antibiotics. The doctor may advise to apply a benzoyl peroxide gel. In this case, it is recommended to use the gel twice daily.
A woman can reduce their symptoms, by the number of times they wash their face with a heavy cleansing routine, which should include using a mild, alcohol-free shampoo and face wash. During pregnancy, a woman can have a routine dermatology treatment, such as oral antibiotics or topical corticosteroids.
Oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics are a long-term treatment that should be taken throughout a woman’s pregnancy, usually during the first trimester. Taking antibiotics during the first trimester increases the risk of miscarriage. Antibiotics taken during this period may also cause a birth defect called neonatal antibiotic resistance.
To find out if antibiotics are suitable, a doctor will review the woman’s medical history and the different types of acne that she has. If a woman has acne that is related to acne cysts, she may need to take antibiotics during her pregnancy.
There is some evidence that the antibiotic clindamycin and minocycline are not recommended during pregnancy. These antibiotics may affect the placenta or the fetus. If a woman is taking antibiotics during pregnancy, she should tell her doctor before she stops taking them.
Taking topical corticosteroids during pregnancy can help clear up acne, but the use of topical steroids should be avoided during the second and third trimesters. They may increase the risk of miscarriage.
People with severe acne should discuss their options with their doctor. The doctor may recommend other treatments, such as oral or topical retinoids or isotretinoin. People with severe acne may also consider having either otoplasty or balanoposthia.
Home remedies For Pregnancy Acne
The following remedies may be used to treat acne during pregnancy
Exfoliating
Using a scrub every day may help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. A body scrub made with egg white and sugar is a great option.
Lotion
The same can be said for a moisturizing lotion. It helps absorb excess oil, clearing the face of excess debris.
Oatmeal bath
Oatmeal is often used as a natural moisturizer during pregnancy. This works as a natural exfoliate for the skin, and is known to ease itching and swelling.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is often used as a natural moisturizer during pregnancy. This works as a natural exfoliate for the skin, and is known to ease itching and swelling as well. Drink plenty of water throughout your pregnancy, as well. Taking in plenty of fluids helps to keep you and your baby hydrated, which can make your skin look and feel better, even if you’re a bit swollen.
If you have a good level of fitness, you can maintain your weight and still carry your baby to full term. If you do gain a lot of weight, eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day will help your body to better handle this. Try to drink a lot of water as well.
A heating pad
A heating pad can be used to warm the pregnant body and remove excess oil. The heat also helps relax the muscles of the face. It can be used either with the clothes or just the body. A cooling gel helps to warm the body and remove all the excess oil. It also helps to soothe the body and back, and relieve any minor pain or discomfort.
Avoid Sun Burns
Avoid sunburns during your pregnancy. The last thing you want is a skin cancer scare during pregnancy. The sun and the sunbeds in Vegas are the main reasons why this is so common. You can still get a tan in moderation, however, by lying on a tanning bed.
You may think that you can keep your body as tanned as you did in your 20s, but this is not the case. Having a moderate tan during your 20s is fine, but once you hit your 30s, you need to be extra cautious. Tans that are a little darker than your regular skin tone are always fine, but if the tan starts to turn yellow, develops some blisters, and even resembles a burn, you have to act quickly. When you think that you have a sunburn, get out of the sun and have an ice pack applied to your skin.
A good pregnancy glow can be created by drinking lots of water and eating an apple or two each day. Apples are high in fiber, which helps to cleanse your system. They are also high in vitamins C and B. Another great benefit to eating apples is that they are very cheap, very delicious and will give you the energy you need to get through the day.
Balancing Your Diet
It is important for pregnant women to eat a balanced diet. People who are pregnant need to eat every two to three hours. This ensures your body receives the nutrients it needs to grow your baby. Other reasons for a healthy diet include avoiding some of the high fat and high salt foods that can cause problems with the baby.
Neem
Neem contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps reduce redness and inflammation. It is effective in treating blemishes on the face. Neem also contains anti-bacterial properties. To use, massage the affected area with neem powder. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse your face with lukewarm water.
Bottom Line
Acne is a common condition during the pregnancy. There are many home remedies available for a pregnant women to reduce their discomfort. Pregnant women must make sure that they see their doctor or midwife if they experience excessive acne. They may be advised to consider treatment options to prevent this condition from affecting their health in the long term.
Sirisha B