Common Summer Pregnancy Skin Issues in Decatur, GA

It’s always important to protect your skin from the sun, but did you know that your skin is even more susceptible to damage while pregnant?

Here are a few common skin issues that occur during pregnancy and tips on how to prevent them:

Heat and Benign Rashes

Your skin stretching can cause your skin to dry out, and summer heat can make it even worse. Benign rashes can occur from sweat and clothing irritating your skin.

To prevent rashes

• moisturize after a shower or bath
• wear loose fitting clothing

If you already have a rash

• soothe the rash by soaking in a warm bath with oatmeal
• ask your doctor about an over the counter anti-itch cream

Itchy Skin

Stretching skin causes itchiness and redness, and summer heat can dry skin out even more. Ask your physician about the best moisturizer and avoid itching the area because it can cause the skin to become raw. Oatmeal baths are also effective in treating itchy, red skin.

Acne

Hormones from pregnancy can cause acne and so can the change in humidity and temperature that comes with summer. Focus on washing your face with a good cleanser twice a day to make sure your face is clean and use a lighter moisturizer to avoid clogging your pores.

Dark Spots and Patches

During pregnancy, melanin, which is responsible for the brownish colored patches on women’s forehead, cheeks, upper chest, and above the upper lip, respond to hormonal changes. Even though this change is most common in darker skinned women, it can affect everyone during pregnancy. Avoid excessive sunlight to decrease the chance of developing patches and apply sunscreen every day to protect your skin.

Consult Dekalb Women’s Specialists for information preventing skin problems during pregnancy.