Eczema and Pregnancy
Dealing with a pregnancy is enough all by itself. Your hormones change and having to deal with eczema breakouts on top is sometimes more than you can handle. The worst thing is not knowing if you should continue with your eczema treatments while being pregnant. As an expectant mom, you don’t want to do anything to harm your unborn child.
Treating Eczema While Pregnant
The best thing for you to do is to talk with your doctor before continuing any type of treatment. Some eczema treatments are perfectly safe for use during pregnancy, but there are others that could cause side effects. Your doctor can help set your mind at ease and recommend a safe treatment method during your pregnancy.
A pregnant woman requires lots of sleep and if your eczema flares up it can cause excessive itchiness. This might prevent you from getting a restful night’s sleep. If your symptoms last for more than a couple of days you may want to ask for some form of a medicated cream. These creams work effectively in reducing severe itching.
If you are considering using a natural or herbal product for your eczema you should also check to see if this product is safe for expectant mothers. Herbal products are most likely safe but it never hurts to be cautious and check.
If you know what triggers your eczema then try to avoid any type of flare-up or outbreak while you are pregnant. This might mean being a little more careful about what you do and where you go, but it will be easier to deal with your pregnancy.
Be careful about using items like perfumes, fragrant soap, and shampoos. Your skin might be more sensitive while pregnant so even your usual laundry detergent may become an irritant.
Some things that you can do are to take plenty of warm baths with mild soaps and shampoos. Once out of the bathtub pat yourself dry and immediately apply lots of moisturizer to your skin. Keeping your skin moist will go a long way in preventing eczema problems while pregnant.
If you happen to be pregnant during the winter apply extra lotion before going out in cold weather. Always protect your hands with gloves and on extremely cold or windy days wear a scarf to protect your face.
Having to deal with stress while pregnant is never a good idea. Stress can also cause your eczema to flare up. If possible look for ways to relieve your stress and don’t worry if all your chores don’t get done. Allow yourself that little bit of extra freedom so you can take time to relax and just enjoy being pregnant.
Treating eczema while being pregnant can be done if you pay close attention to your body. Watch your skin for any reactions and pinpoint the trigger if possible. If you are unsure about anything regarding your eczema always check with your doctor immediately.