Managing Eczema While Pregnant

Sunday, February 5th

The list of things that can cause an eczema flare up is never ending. Anything from stress to a certain perfume can cause an outbreak of eczema. Some women even report a change in their eczema symptoms that coincides with their menstrual cycle. So if the low dose of hormones released during menstruation can cause eczema to worsen or to clear up, how do the raging hormones of pregnancy affect eczema?

There are a lot of things that happen to a woman's body during pregnancy. Stress levels can rise, hormones run rampant, and pregnancy-related queasiness can alter both routine and eating habits. While doctors have not confirmed that these changes and pregnancy can lead to intense eczema flare ups during pregnancy, many women report an increase of symptoms while pregnant. A smaller group, on the other hand, reported that their eczema actually cleared up during pregnancy.

The main obstacle to pregnant women with eczema is that they have limited resources to deal with their eczema. Many of the medications that they use to control flare ups when they are not pregnant cannot be used during pregnancy.

Here is a list of some of the most common eczema medications that cannot be used during pregnancy:

Corticosteroids - When fighting eczema, both topical and systemic steroids can be used - and neither is recommended during pregnancy as they cross the placenta. While they are not known to cause birth defects, corticosteroids are ill advised during pregnancy or while breast feeding.
Antibiotics - Since eczema can cause secondary skin infections, antibiotics are often prescribed to clear up these conditions. While there are some antibiotics that are safe during pregnancy, others are not recommended if you are pregnant, if you plan to become pregnant, or if you are breast feeding.
Cyclosporine - While this medication is not known to cause birth defects, there is a suspected link between this medication and premature birth.
Mycophenolate mofetil - This medication has been proven to cause birth defects in animal studies and is, therefore, never advised for use during pregnancy. Women are urged to use contraception before, during and after using this medication to avoid becoming pregnant.
Calcineurin inhibitors - The oral form of this medication crosses the placenta and is found in breast milk which makes it unadvisable to use during pregnancy. When using the topical form of this medication, not as much is absorbed into the body, but it is not known what effects even a small amount can have on the fetus.

Since eczema options are diminished during pregnancy, women with eczema need to take extra care to avoid triggers that cause eczema flare ups which can include perfumes, certain soaps, sweat, heat, and wool just to name a few. They should also increase non-medicinal efforts to keep skin healthy such as keeping the skin moisturized and avoiding products that can irritate the skin. With a lot of diligence and a little bit of luck, eczema can be comfortably controlled during pregnancy.

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Eczema Product FAQ

What is eczema?

Eczema is an itchy inflammation of the skin. The main symptom is a rash that is usually found on the arms or behind the knees, but it can appear anywhere on the body. The skin will usually feel dry and bumpy and may appear cracked.

What causes eczema?

Eczema is usually developed in early childhood and is most common with people who have a family history of the condition. There are certain triggers that can cause eczema to flare up like certain soaps, detergents, wool, dry skin, heat, or emotional stress. Allergens like dust mites, molds, pollen, or food can also be the reason that eczema appears. It is often hard to identify the exact reason that you or your child has eczema.

Is eczema a harmful condition?

If you have eczema, it will not cause any harm to the other areas of your body unless it's left alone and eventually causes a skin infection. The main reason this is a condition people want to get rid of is because it can be extremely uncomfortable. Itching may be intense and scratching only further irritates the skin and causes sores.

How can I get rid of eczema?

Experts usually recommend avoiding soap and other irritants if you're experiencing eczema. These can dry out the skin and make the problem worse. To fully heal from eczema, you may be offered prescription medicines from a doctor, but these could be expensive. Fortunately, there are many highly-rated, safely-developed options you can find online to find fast relief from your eczema.

Are eczema products safe?

Yes! The eczema products available online are developed specifically to nourish skin and heal eczema without causing any further damage or side effects. Some formulas are made with 100% natural ingredients derived from plant sources. You're more likely to find a treatment without harsh chemicals online than if you use a prescription from a doctor.

How much do eczema products cost?

Effective eczema treatments can cost as little as $10! Depending on how severe your case is and how many areas of eczema need to be treated, you may need to purchase a few bottles of an oil or cream, but you'll find that no matter the route you go, you won't pay much. Eczema is a condition that can be treated affordably and quickly.

How are eczema products applied?

Most eczema products come in the form of a cream, serum, or ointment. They are applied directly onto the skin, covering the affected areas. You might be recommended to use some products more than once per day for maximum results, but it takes as little as 1 or 2 minutes for a treatment.

What if I try an eczema product that doesn't work for me?

If you don't have success with the eczema product you use, check to see if it came with a money-back guarantee. Many companies stand by their products with an offer to get a refund if you weren't satisfied with your results. If not, you probably didn't lose too much money since eczema products are so affordable; try a new cream or ointment in hopes that it works better.